FreeNo fee
3 / 10Limit per year / per lifetime
10-14 daysTypical delivery by mail
18+Age for online request
Do you need a new card?
You rarely have to show the card itself. Knowing your Social Security number is usually enough for employers, banks, and benefit applications. Keep the card in a safe place, not your wallet.
Replacing it online
You can request a replacement in your my Social Security account if you:
- are a U.S. citizen age 18 or older,
- have a U.S. mailing address,
- are not asking to change the name or other information on the card, and
- live in a state or area where the online service is offered.
Sign in, verify your identity, and submit the request. If the online service says you are not eligible, you can apply another way.
Other ways to apply
| Method | What to do |
|---|---|
| By mail or in person | Complete Form SS-5 and bring or send proof of identity (such as a driver's license or passport) to your Social Security office |
| By phone | Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask what you need and to schedule an appointment |
Limits
You can get up to 3 replacement cards per year and 10 in your lifetime. Replacements due to a legal name change or a change in citizenship status do not count toward the limits. A card typically arrives within 10 to 14 days after SSA verifies your documents.
Protect your number
- Do not carry the card unless you need it.
- Never give your number to unsolicited callers, texts, or emails.
- If it was stolen, consider a free credit freeze and review your earnings record for unfamiliar work history.
Do not pay for a card. SSA does not charge for a replacement. Websites that charge a fee to "process" your application are not Social Security.