How do I get a replacement Social Security card?

Andy Markowitz and Phil Pruitt,

Updated August 26, 2025

AARP

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En español

Published October 10, 2018

/ Updated August 26, 2025

In this story

Do I need a new card? • How to replace online • How to replace in person • Keep in mind

The easiest way to replace a lost or stolen Social Security card is to request one online, using a My Social Security account. But consider this before you do: The Social Security Administration (SSA) says a physical card is rarely necessary, and you may not need a replacement if you know your Social Security number.

If you do decide to get a new card and can’t do so online, you can also apply in person at a local Social Security office. The SSA has an online tool you can use to determine which option is best for you.

How can I replace my Social Security card online?

This is the simplest and quickest method. To get a new card online, you must have a My Social Security account and meet these requirements:

You are a U.S. citizen.
You are at least 18 years old..
You have a U.S. mailing address (military and diplomatic addresses count).
You live in a state that shares its computer data with Social Security for card-replacement purposes. As of August 2025, 49 states and the District of Columbia do so (Alaska is the exception).
You are not changing the name or any other information associated with your Social Security record, except as noted below.

In some cases, you can register a name change as part of an online card replacement. A growing number of states (21 as of August 2025) have data agreements with the SSA that allow residents to do so if the name change is due to marriage. For this, you must have a driver’s license or other state-issued ID and a marriage license or certificate from the participating state.

How can I replace my card in person?

If you don’t have a My Social Security account or don’t meet any of the other criteria listed above, you can apply for a new card at a Social Security field office. Call the SSA at 800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment. To save time on your visit, you can download and fill out the application form in advance.

You’ll need to provide what the SSA calls “primary” proof of identity — a current, unexpired passport, driver’s license or a state-issued photo ID card. If you don’t have any of those, they may accept a “secondary” ID that shows your name; identifying information such as age or date of birth; and, preferably, a recent photograph — for example, an employee, student or U.S. military ID or a health insurance card (but not a Medicare card).

Social Security typically requires the original of your primary ID document or a copy certified by the agency that issued it. Photocopies, even if notarized, are not accepted. The SSA website has more information on the document requirements for getting a replacement card.

Whether you apply online or in person, your replacement card should arrive in the mail in 10 to 14 days. There is no charge.

Keep in mind

You can replace a card up to three times in a year and up to 10 times during your lifetime. Getting a new card because of a change in your legal name or citizenship status does not count toward those limits.

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Andy Markowitz is an AARP senior writer and editor covering Social Security and retirement. He is a former editor of the Prague Post and Baltimore City Paper.

Phil Pruitt is an AARP writer and editor focusing on Social Security. He is a former editor at Scripps News and Yahoo News and was on the start-up staff at USA Today, where he held numerous editing positions.

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