To get your Social Security card, follow these steps:
1. Gather Required Documents
You must provide original, unexpired documents or certified copies to prove your:
- Age (usually a birth certificate)
- Identity (U.S. driver's license, state-issued ID, or U.S. passport)
- U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status (U.S. passport, birth certificate, or immigration documents)
If you use a U.S. passport, it can serve as proof for both citizenship and identity
2. Complete the Application
Fill out the Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5), which is available on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website
3. Submit Your Application
You have two options:
- Online: If you are a U.S. citizen aged 18 or older, have a U.S. mailing address, and a valid driver’s license or state ID from a participating state, you can apply online by creating a "my Social Security" account on the SSA website and submit your request digitally
- In Person or by Mail: If you do not meet the online criteria or prefer to apply in person, take or mail your completed application and original documents to your local Social Security office
Additional Notes
- There is no fee to apply for or replace a Social Security card
- Your new card will typically arrive by mail within about two weeks after your application is processed
- If you are applying for the first time as a non-citizen, you may need to provide additional documentation related to your immigration status
For assistance, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit their official website. In summary, gather your original documents, complete Form SS-5, then apply online if eligible or visit your local SSA office to get your Social Security card
