Social Security Card Guide

This is the easiest way if you're eligible.

1. Go to ssa.gov/myaccount
2. Sign in with your my Social Security username and password (or create an account if you don't have one — it's free)
3. Click "Replace your Social Security card"
4. Confirm your information and address
5. Your new card is free — no payment required
6. Your new card arrives by mail in about 10–14 days

Cost: FREE — Social Security cards are always free. There is no charge for your first card, a replacement, or a correction.

Processing time: 10–14 days

Use this if you're not eligible for online or prefer talking to someone.

What to do:

1. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to schedule an appointment
2. Bring:
   • Your old Social Security card (or explain if it's lost)
   • Proof of identity (driver's license, passport, etc.)
   • Proof of age (birth certificate, etc.)
3. Go to your appointment at the local SSA office
4. Complete Form SS-5 (SSA will help you fill it out)
5. Get your receipt and timeline for your new card

Cost: FREE — Social Security cards are always free. There is no charge for your first card, a replacement, or a correction.

Processing time: 1–2 weeks from your appointment

Office hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm local time (some offices have evening hours)

This takes longer but you don't have to go anywhere.

What to do:

1. Complete Form SS-5 (download from ssa.gov or pick up at an SSA office)
2. Copy your proof of identity and age
3. Mail everything to your local SSA office (call 1-800-772-1213 to get the address)
4. Wait for your card by mail

Cost: FREE — Social Security cards are always free. There is no charge for your first card, a replacement, or a correction.

Processing time: 3–4 weeks from when SSA receives your application

When you get married, divorced, or legally change your name, you need to update your card.

Documents you'll need:

• Proof of your identity (driver's license, passport, employee ID, school ID, health insurance card, adoption decree, life insurance policy, marriage/divorce record with identifying info)
• Proof of age (birth certificate, U.S. passport, driver's license, state ID)
• Proof of your legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, adoption decree)

What to do:

1. Complete Form SS-5 (available at ssa.gov)
2. Bring your documents to your local SSA office or mail them in
3. If you have a my Social Security account, you may be able to start the process online (though you'll still need to bring documents in or mail them)
4. Your new card arrives within 2 weeks

Cost: FREE — Social Security cards are always free.

When you're naturalized as a U.S. citizen, you need a new card without the work restrictions.

Cost: FREE — Social Security cards are always free.

Documents you'll need:

• Proof of identity (driver's license, passport, state ID, or other acceptable ID)
• Proof of age (birth certificate, passport, driver's license)
• Proof of U.S. citizenship (Certificate of Naturalization, Form N-550 or N-570; Consular Report of Birth Abroad, FS-240 or DS-1350; U.S. passport)

What to do:

1. Complete Form SS-5
2. Bring your documents to your local SSA office or mail them in
3. Your new unrestricted card arrives within 2 weeks

Cost: FREE (no replacement fee)

Your new card will say: Full unrestricted card (no legend like "VALID FOR WORK ONLY")

SSA allows you to update the gender marker on your Social Security card to match your identity.

Documents you'll need:

• Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or other ID that reflects your updated gender marker or name)
• Proof of age (birth certificate, passport, driver's license)
• A medical professional's statement confirming your gender identity — This can be from a doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other licensed medical professional. It doesn't need to say you've had surgery or hormones. It just needs to state that they've reviewed your case and you have a consistent gender identity that differs from what's on your current record.

What to do:

1. Get a statement from your healthcare provider (ask your doctor, counselor, or therapist)
2. Complete Form SS-5
3. Bring your documents in person to your local SSA office (you may need to appear in person for this one)
4. Your updated card arrives within 2 weeks

Cost: FREE

Privacy: You don't need to share details about your transition. SSA doesn't need that information.

If SSA made a mistake on your card — wrong date of birth, misspelled name, incorrect citizenship status — you can correct it for free.

Documents you'll need:

• Proof of identity (driver's license, passport, state ID)
• Proof of age (birth certificate, driver's license, passport)
• Evidence of the error (birth certificate for a wrong date of birth, previous documents showing the correct spelling of your name, etc.)

What to do:

1. Complete Form SS-5 and explain the error in writing
2. Attach a copy of the official document that shows the correct information (like your birth certificate)
3. Mail it to your local SSA office or bring it in person
4. Your corrected card arrives within 2 weeks

Cost: FREE (SSA pays for fixing their own mistakes)

You can still get a Social Security card. Here are your options:

1. Order a birth certificate from your state's vital records office (usually $10–30 and takes 1–4 weeks). Search "your state name vital records" online.
2. Use a substitute document for proof of age:
   • U.S. passport (any expiration)
   • Driver's license or state ID
   • School ID card (with date of birth)
   • Medical or dental records
   • Insurance policy
   • Religious confirmation record
3. If none of those work, call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to ask about other options. They've dealt with this before.

You can use any of these as proof of identity:

• School ID card
• Employee ID card
• Health insurance card (not Medicare)
• U.S. military ID
• Adoption decree
• Life insurance policy
• Marriage or divorce record (with identifying information)

The key is that it needs a photo, signature, or other identifying info to prove you are who you say you are.

This depends on your situation. Here's the reality:

• If you're applying for an SSN for a non-work purpose (tax filing, state ID, or government benefits), you may not need immigration documents. Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to discuss your specific situation.
• If you're in immigration proceedings, talk to your immigration attorney before applying. Getting an SSN might affect your case.
• SSA verifies status with DHS, but SSA doesn't report you to ICE. That said, any government interaction carries some risk.

There are community organizations and legal aid groups that can help navigate this. If you need a referral, call 211 or search LawHelp.org.

You can absolutely get a Social Security card. You don't need a permanent address.

Address options:

• Use a shelter address (call ahead and confirm they'll accept mail there)
• Use a friend or family member's address with their permission
• Use a P.O. box (though some prefer not to)
• Use General Delivery at your local post office

Just make sure SSA knows where to send your card. Call 1-800-772-1213 to discuss your situation — they work with this all the time.

You can still get a Social Security card. Here's what to know:

1. If you're currently incarcerated: You can apply in person at many correctional facilities. Ask your case manager or the prison administrator about SSA services available there.
2. If you've been released: Apply the same way anyone else does — in person, by mail, or online (if eligible).
3. You don't need to mention your record to SSA unless it somehow affects your identity documents.

SSA is not law enforcement. They don't report to ICE or other agencies.

• Online: 10–14 days
• In person: 1–2 weeks from your appointment
• By mail: 3–4 weeks from when SSA receives your application

My tip: Apply early. If you need your card by a certain date (like for a job), don't wait until the last minute.

• Online: You'll get a confirmation number. Write it down.
• In person: SSA will give you a receipt.
• By mail: SSA might send you a letter confirming they got it. Keep the tracking number if you use certified mail.

If you don't hear anything within 3 weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to check on your application.

This is rare, but here's what happens:

1. SSA will send you a letter explaining why
2. Common reasons: missing documents, documents don't match, identity couldn't be verified, immigration status issue
3. You can fix it and reapply. SSA will usually tell you exactly what's missing.
4. If you disagree with the decision, you have the right to appeal. Ask SSA for an appeal form.

If this happens to you, call 1-800-772-1213 to talk through it. Don't panic — most of these get resolved.

Social Security cards are ALWAYS FREE.

• Online replacement: FREE
• In-person replacement: FREE
• By mail: FREE
• Original/first card: FREE
• Name/status change: FREE
• Citizenship update: FREE
• Identity theft replacement: FREE

There is no charge for a Social Security card — not for your first card, not for a replacement, not for a correction. If anyone asks you to pay for a Social Security card, that's a scam. SSA has explicitly stated: "There is no charge for a Social Security card."

If someone used your Social Security number without permission, here's what to do:

Step 1: Report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

1. Go to identitytheft.gov
2. Tell them your situation (fraudulent accounts, fraudulent tax returns, etc.)
3. FTC will create a recovery plan and send a report to SSA

Step 2: SSA will likely issue you a NEW Social Security number

• This is NOT just a replacement card — you get a brand-new number
• It's a one-time service (SSA prefers you get a new number only once)
• You'll need to update your employer, bank, insurance, etc.

Step 3: Get your new card

• Your new card is FREE — Social Security cards are always free
• You'll need proof of identity and age, same as usual
• Your new card arrives within 2 weeks

Step 4: Monitor your credit and accounts

• Place a fraud alert on your credit report (call the major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
• Consider a credit freeze if it's serious
• Monitor your credit report at annualcreditreport.com
• Check your tax records at irs.gov to make sure no fraudulent return was filed

Take a deep breath: This is fixable. Millions of people go through this. The FTC and SSA have systems to help.

If a fire, flood, hurricane, or other disaster destroyed your documents, SSA has a disaster relief process.

What to do:

1. Call 1-800-772-1213 and tell them about the disaster
2. SSA may waive documentation requirements temporarily
3. You can apply for a replacement card or emergency benefits even if you don't have your documents right away
4. Have proof that you live in the disaster area (utility bill, rental agreement, etc.)

Helpful: FEMA and other disaster aid organizations may have information on rebuilding documents. Check fema.gov.

Homelessness is NOT a barrier to getting a Social Security card.

Address options:

• Shelter address: Use the shelter's address if they allow mail. Call ahead to confirm.
• Friend or family address: Ask someone if you can use their address with permission. You don't have to live there — it's just where your card goes.
• P.O. box: Rent a P.O. box at the post office (about $50/year for a small box)
• General Delivery: Your local post office can hold mail under your name at "General Delivery"

What you'll need:

• Proof of identity (ID, if you have one)
• Proof of age (birth certificate if possible, or other documents)
• Something showing your connection to the address (a letter, receipt, or confirmation from the shelter)

Call ahead: Call 1-800-772-1213 before going to the office. Tell them you're unhoused and ask what address option works best for your situation.

You can apply for a Social Security card while incarcerated.

Options:

• SSA services at your facility: Many prisons and jails have SSA representatives or support. Ask your case manager or counselor.
• In-person at a local office: If allowed, you may be able to go during a release for work, medical, or court purposes.
• By mail: Your facility's mail room can send your application and documents to SSA. Use the nearest SSA office address.

Address to use:

• Use your facility's address so mail reaches you
• Or use a trusted family member's address

Note: SSA is not law enforcement. Applying for a Social Security card will not jeopardize your case or parole/probation status.

If you're a parent or guardian applying for your newborn's first Social Security number, here's how it works.

The Easy Way — At the Hospital

About 90% of babies get their SSN this way. When you fill out the birth certificate at the hospital, the hospital asks if you want an SSN. Say yes.

1. Hospital submits your baby's information to SSA
2. SSA sends the Social Security card to your home within 6–12 weeks
3. No cost, no paperwork beyond the birth certificate

If you didn't request it at the hospital

1. Complete Form SS-5 (available at ssa.gov)
2. Bring or mail your baby's:
   • Original birth certificate
   • Proof of your relationship (parent ID, adoption papers, guardianship order)
   • Your proof of identity
3. Submit to SSA in person or by mail
4. Card arrives within 2 weeks

Important for non-U.S. citizen parents

Even if you're not a U.S. citizen, your child can get a Social Security number and card. SSA will verify immigration status, but this doesn't mean you'll be reported to immigration.

Important rule: Anyone age 12 or older applying for a Social Security number for the first time MUST appear in person for an interview with SSA.

SSA wants to verify they've never had an SSN before.

What to do:

1. Call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment
2. The child will go in person with a parent or guardian
3. Bring:
   • Proof of identity (school ID, passport, state ID, student visa, or other official ID)
   • Proof of age (birth certificate, passport, school records)
   • Proof of citizenship or immigration status (birth certificate for U.S. citizens, green card for LPRs, visa for visa holders, etc.)
4. Complete Form SS-5 at the appointment (SSA will help fill it out)
5. Card arrives within 1–2 weeks

For student visa holders (F-1, M-1, J-1)

The child must have a valid visa and school enrollment verification. SSA will confirm the student status with DHS.

Adopted children need a Social Security number just like any other child.

What you'll need:

• Proof of identity for the child (passport, state ID, school ID, or adoption decree)
• Proof of age (birth certificate, passport, adoption papers)
• Adoption decree or finalized adoption papers
• Proof of citizenship or immigration status:
  • U.S. birth certificate (if U.S.-born adoptee)
  • IR-2, IR-3, or IR-4 visa (for foreign-born adoptees)
  • Certificate of citizenship
  • Consular report of birth abroad

What to do:

1. For children under 12: mail Form SS-5 and documents, or go in person
2. For children 12+: schedule an in-person interview by calling 1-800-772-1213
3. Card arrives within 1–2 weeks

International adoptions: If your child came from another country on an adoption visa, you may need an extra step — a Form I-864 (Affidavit of Support) or proof of readoption in a U.S. court. Ask SSA when you apply.

If someone has died, SSA needs to know so they can update their records and stop any payments.

Who needs to report it?

• Funeral director (usually does this)
• Family member
• Caregiver or person handling affairs

How to report it:

1. Call 1-800-772-1213 (Monday–Friday, 8am–7pm local time)
2. Or go in person to a local SSA office with the death certificate
3. Tell them the person's name, Social Security number, and date of death

What happens next:

• If the person was receiving benefits, those stop
• Family members may be eligible for survivors benefits (talk to SSA)
• You don't need to do anything with the actual card — just return it to SSA or destroy it

For executors or people handling the estate: Report it to SSA early so there's no confusion with billing, taxes, or benefits.