How Can I Get a Replacement Social Security Card?

You’ll need to provide what the SSA calls “primary” proof of identity — a current, unexpired passport, driver’s license or 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.

What if I’m replacing my card for a name change?

If you legally change your name due to marriage, divorce or another reason, notify the SSA as soon as possible so they can update your file and issue you a new Social Security card. Failing to do so can have consequences. For example, if your legal name does not match the name on your Social Security record, it could prevent the SSA from crediting earnings to you or cause delays in processing your tax return.

In some circumstances, you may be able to apply for a card with your new name online, but in many cases, you’ll have to visit a local office. You can use the SSA’s name-change questionnaire to see if you qualify for full or partial online application.

Name change online: You can complete an application for a replacement card with a new name online, with no need to visit a Social Security office, if you meet these criteria:

• You are a U.S. citizen at least 18 years old with a U.S. mailing address.
• You are changing your name due to marriage.
• Your marriage license or certificate was issued in a state that participates in a marriage-data exchange system with Social Security. (As of August 2026, 21 states do so: Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.)
• You have a My Social Security account.

As part of the online application, you’ll need to enter information from a U.S. driver’s license or other state-issued ID and your marriage license or certificate from the participating state.

The SSA recommends waiting at least 30 days after the wedding day to file an online name-change request to give the state time to update its electronic records.

Name change in person: If you live in one of the other 29 states, the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory, or if you are changing your name for a reason other than marriage (such as divorce or naturalization), you may be able to start the process by filling out an online form, but you will have to finish it at an SSA office.

You have 45 days from when you filed the online portion of the application to appear in person with proof of identity and proof of the name change. Call 800-772-1213 to make an appointment. Keep in mind that the appointment date may be several weeks after you call.

You'll need to bring proof of identity, such as an unexpired passport, driver’s license or state-issued ID card, and evidence of the name change, such as:

• A marriage certificate.
• A divorce decree.
• A certificate of U.S. naturalization.
• A court order granting the name change.

You may need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship if that status is not reflected in Social Security records. Acceptable documents include:

• A U.S. birth certificate.
• An unexpired U.S. passport.
• A certification of naturalization.
• A certificate of citizenship.
• A U.S. consular report of birth abroad.

Again, your documents must be originals or certified copies from the agency that issued the original — for example, the county where you received your marriage license.

Noncitizens must provide documents proving their identity, immigration status and eligibility to work in the United States (such as a green card, work authorization card or a valid foreign passport) and an original letter from a government agency explaining the reason for needing a card. The SSA has an online pamphlet with details in English and Spanish.

If you are unable to start the process online or prefer not to, make an appointment to apply on paper at an SSA office. You’ll need to fill out an SS-5 form and bring the necessary documents.