What documents are needed for replacement social security card

Worried about doing this on your own?  You may be able to get free legal help.

As a U.S. citizen

If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need your birth certificate or a U.S. passport. If you need information about getting a copy of your birth certificate, see Getting a copy of your birth certificate.

You will also need one of the following to get a new Social Security card:

  • School ID
  • Work ID
  • Military ID
  • Official school transcript
  • Medical records
  • Medical insurance card (not a paper "medical card")

To apply for a new or replacement Social Security Card, you can complete the online application here. You can also go to a Social Security Office with your documents. You can find locations of Social Security Offices here. Afterward, it usually takes 2-4 weeks to get an official school transcript or medical records. If you have questions, you should call (800) 772-1213.

As a foreign-born U.S. citizen

If you are a U.S. citizen, but you were born outside of the U.S., you will need to prove your citizenship and your identity.

You can prove that you are a citizen by showing your:

  • U.S. passport,
  • Certificate of naturalization (N-550/N-570), Certificate of citizenship (N-560/N-561), Certificate of a report of birth (DS-1350); or
  • Consular report of birth abroad (FS-240).

You can prove your identity by showing your:

  • School or work ID,
  • Military ID,
  • Health insurance card (not a "medical card"),
  • School transcript or medical record,
  • Passport, or
  • State ID.

If you receive Medicaid, you should have received a plastic insurance card from a Managed Care Company such as Blue Cross Blue Shield or Aetna. If you don't have the card, you'll need to call the company to ask for a replacement. If you don't know who your Managed Care Company is, you can use the Illinois Client Enrollment Broker website to look up this information.

As a non-citizen

If you are a non-citizen with permission to work, you can apply for a Social Security number or may have one already. You can apply in your home country before you leave for the United States, or you can apply in-person at the Social Security Office once you arrive.

When you visit the Social Security Office, you must prove your identity and that you are allowed to work. Documents you can use to prove these things include:

  • Form I-551, permanent resident card;
  • Form I-766, employment authorization document ("work permit"); or
  • Form I-94, arrival-departure record.

If you are an F-1 or M-1 student, you also must show your I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).

If you are a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor, you must show your DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status).

For more information, please see Social Security numbers for non-citizens.

Your Social Security number is a critical piece of identification that you likely use often -- for instance, when applying for a new credit card, filing your taxes or verifying your identity online. You need your physical Social Security card much less frequently, usually for situations like starting a new job. However, if you don't have it when you need it, you'll be in trouble.

If you've misplaced your Social Security card or have recently changed your name, you can get a new one. But how you do it depends on whether you need a new one with updated information or a replacement without any changes. 

We'll tell you what you need to get a new Social Security card for either situation. For more, here's when it's OK to give out your Social Security number. While you're here, check out these identity theft protection and monitoring services.

The Social Security Administration gives you 3 ways to request a new Social Security card

There are several ways to request a new card: in person, online or through the mail. If you meet the requirements, doing it online may be the easiest way, but if you need to request a new card through the mail, the administration says not to send original primary documents that you should keep in your possession, such as your driver's license, your passport or your immigration documents. 

Also, documents must be originals or copies certified by the agency that issued them. The administration won't accept photocopies or notarized copies.

If you're getting a new card in person or sending your documents by mail, make sure to also fill out Form SS-5 (PDF).

Which documents do I need to have to get a new Social Security card?

Whichever way you do it (online, in person at a Social Security office or through the mail) you'll need documents to prove your citizenship, age and identity.

Proof of US citizenship: This can be your birth certificate or a US passport. This documentation is only required if you haven't already established citizenship with the Social Security Administration.

Proof of age:A birth certificate is best, but if you don't have one, the Social Security Administration may accept a religious record made before you turned 5 years old, a US hospital record of your birth or a US passport.

Form of identification: This can include your US driver's license, US passport or state-issued non-driver ID card.

If you don't have any of these documents, the Social Security Administration may accept one of the following:

  • Employee identification card
  • School identification card
  • Health insurance card (but not a Medicare card)
  • US military ID card

How to request a new Social Security card without changes

The easiest way is to request a new card online, especially if you don't live near a Social Security office.

You'll need to create a My Social Security account to get started. Once you're signed in, you should see a link that says Replace your Social Security Card at the top.

After you click the link, you'll be asked a series of questions to determine if you're eligible to request a replacement card online. Finally, you'll need to verify your identity by answering several other questions, and then you'll electronically sign your name before submitting your request.

Here's who isn't eligible to request a card online:

  • People who live in Alaska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma or West Virginia.
  • Those requesting any change to their card, such as a name change.
  • Those with a driver's license or ID card issued by a US territory, such as American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands.

If you want to request a new card in person, here's where you can find a local office to schedule an appointment. And if you'd rather mail in your request, here's how to find the mailing address for your nearest office.

You'll need to complete and send in this form (PDF), whether you're visiting an office in person or mailing in your request.

How to get a replacement Social Security card if you've changed your name or other information

If you've legally changed your name for any reason -- for instance, marriage, divorce or court order -- you'll need to let Social Security know so you can get a corrected card. You can either take the required documents to a nearby Social Security office or mail them in. You can't request a new card with changes online.

As with requesting a new card without changes, you'll need to show proof of US citizenship, proof of your legal name change and a form of identification.

When you get your new card, it'll have your same Social Security number with your new name.

How long will it take to receive your new Social Security card?

The Social Security Administration says it will take roughly seven to 10 business days to receive your new Social Security card if you applied online or in person. For those who submitted their request via mail, it could take between two and four weeks for the administration to process and return your documents.

What should I do if I lose my Social Security card?

The easiest way to request a replacement SSN card is online with a free, personal my Social Security account. You can go to www.ssa.gov/ssnumber and answer a few questions to find out the best way to apply.

What documentation is needed for Social Security?

Social Security Documents we may ask for include: Your Social Security card or a record of your number. Your original birth certificate, a copy certified by the issuing agency, or other proof of your age. We must see the original document(s), or copies certified by the agency that issued them.

Can I use an expired passport to get a new Social Security card?

An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information, and preferably a recent photograph. Social Security will ask to see a U.S. driver's license, state-issued nondriver identification card, or U.S. passport as proof of identity.

How do I get a new Social Security card in CT?

For assistance call us at 1-800-772-1213 or visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov. To apply for an original card, you must provide at least two documents to prove age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or current lawful, work-authorized immigration status.