To get a new Social Security card, you can apply online or in person
. Knowing your Social Security number is often sufficient, but a replacement card can be obtained if needed
. There is no charge for a replacement card
. Here are the general steps to get a replacement Social Security card:
- Gather Documentation You'll need to provide documentation to prove your citizenship, age, and identity
* **Citizenship** A U.S. passport or birth certificate can be used to prove U.S. citizenship
* **Age** A birth certificate is the best form to prove your age. If you do not have one, a U.S. passport, a U.S. hospital record of your birth, or a religious record made before the age of 5 showing your date of birth may be accepted
* **Identity** You must prove your identity by supplying a U.S. driver's license, a state-issued ID card, or a U.S. passport
. If you don't have any of these documents, the SSA may accept an employee ID card, school ID card, military ID card, or health insurance card (not a Medicare card)
- Apply Online You may be able to apply for a replacement card online, depending on your situation
. To apply online, visit the Social Security Administration's SSN and Card webpage and answer a few questions to find out the best way to apply for your replacement card
. You can request a replacement card online through your personal my Social Security account in most states
* You can complete a new card request online if you are a U.S. citizen who is at least 18 years old, have a driver's license or state-issued ID card from a participating state or the District of Columbia, have a U.S. mailing address, have an online Social Security account, and don't need to make changes to your name, date of birth, place of birth, or gender
- Visit an SSA Office If you are ineligible or don't want to replace your card online, bring your completed application and required original documents to a local SSA office
. If you do not begin the application online, you will need to complete a paper Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) and bring your required documents to a local Social Security office or Card Center
. To save time, you can download, complete, and print the paper application SS-5 form before you arrive
