A Social Security card is an essential document; you often need it for identity verification. For example, when you start a new job, you will need your card as part of the I-9 verification process to start work. Most of the time, you are required to present your original card. Photocopies will not work in most cases.
So, what happens if your card is lost or stolen? How do you obtain a new one? Getting a replacement Social Security card is not difficult, but there are specific steps that you must take to complete the process correctly. Here is everything you need to know about getting a new Social Security card.
What You Need To Do To Get A Replacement Social Security Card
The process for obtaining a new card varies slightly depending on the reason for your request. For instance, if your name has changed, the process will be somewhat different than if you lost your card. Replacing a card without changes is the most straightforward process if you need to replace a lost or stolen Social Security card. Here are the general steps you will need to follow, and we will call out the differences in detail where applicable.
Step 1: Gather Identification Documents
First, the Social Security Administration (SSA) must ensure you are who you say you are before issuing a new card. They will need to verify your identity, and you must provide a few documents as part of that process. Go ahead and locate your birth certificate and your driver’s license.
These documents prove both your U.S. citizenship status and your identity. If you don’t have a driver’s license, you will need another acceptable form of photo ID. This could be a military ID, U.S. passport, state-issued photo identification card, school ID card, health insurance card (not a Medicare card), or other acceptable document.
You will also need a document showing your date of birth, but a birth certificate will accomplish that as well. Ensure you provide original or certified copies, as copies of documents or even notarized copies are not accepted.
Step 2: Submit Application Online
Once you have your documents together, you can complete an online application. You will need to complete Form SS-5 to request your new card. You can print the application and complete it manually or create a my Social Security account through the Social Security Administration website and complete the application online.
Step 3: Visit Your Local SSA Office
Next, you must head to your local Social Security office with your original documents to submit your application. Make an appointment first, as walk-ins may experience long wait times. In many states, you can submit your application entirely online without visiting the Social Security office, as long as you have a U.S. mailing address and are not making any changes to your card, like a name change.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The process of obtaining a new Social Security card varies slightly based on the reason for needing a new card.
- Getting a same-day replacement Social Security card is impossible, but you can get a receipt showing your new card application has been submitted.
- It generally takes about two weeks to get a replacement Social Security card if filed online, but in-person applications can take 30 days to get your card.
Can You Get a Same-Day Social Security Card Replacement?
Same-Day Replacement
So, is there a Social Security card center where you can receive a replacement card on the same day? The short answer is no. If you are eligible, the fastest way to receive your replacement card is to request it online. If you live in any state other than Alaska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, or West Virginia, you can request your replacement online. You should receive your new card in the mail within 14 days.
Temporary Social Security Card
However, there might be instances where you need your card immediately. While you cannot get a replacement card the same day, you can get a document that sometimes works in a pinch. If you submit your application for a new card in person, you can get a receipt showing your application has been submitted.
This will sometimes suffice as evidence of a temporary Social Security card. However, not everyone will accept this receipt. If the agency requesting your card will not accept the receipt in its place, then you will have to wait until you get your new card in the mail to conduct your business.
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Getting A Replacement Social Security Card Online
The Social Security Administration has added many online services over the past few years. The quickest and easiest way to get a replacement Social Security number card is to request one online. First, you must use your Social Security number and some other personal information to register for a my Social Security account through the SSA website. Not only can you request a new card here, but you will also have access to your entire Social Security record. You can use this account to estimate future Social Security benefits, sign up for benefits, etc.
Online Filing Restrictions
Once you have your account created, it is time to request your replacement card. Remember that you must be an 18 or older U.S. citizen with a U.S. mailing address. You cannot request any other changes to your card, not even a legal name change. If you have a new name, you must submit your application in person. Finally, you will need a U.S. driver’s license or state-issued ID card, including the District of Columbia. Licenses from U.S. territories cannot be accepted at this time. You can proceed with your online request if you meet these eligibility requirements.
Follow the prompts on the SSA website to complete your online request and upload your documentation. Once you have submitted your request, your new card will arrive in the mail in a couple of weeks. Most cards requested online are received within 14 days.
TIP
If you have a my Social Security account, you can apply for a replacement Social Security card online. You must apply in person at a local Social Security office without an account.
Ways To Potect Your New Social Security Card
Once you receive your new Social card, you’ll want to protect it and keep it from getting damaged. You might plan to laminate your Social Security card, but is that the best idea?
There are other options to protect your card that don’t involve potentially compromising the security features built into the cards. In addition to protecting your Social Security card, you should take steps to protect all your important documents.
The Bottom Line
The process of requesting a new SSN card is not extremely difficult. However, if you do not qualify to request a replacement card online, you might need to visit your local Social Security office.
Ensure you have original documents showing proof of your identity and citizenship status, like a birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or other U.S. hospital records. Some religious records or an adoption decree can also be used to prove age, but they must meet specific requirements.
Social Security cards are not available to non-citizens or those with other immigration statuses in most cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
The fastest way to get a replacement card is to register for a my Social Security account and request the card online. You must meet a few eligibility requirements to complete the request online, but that is the fastest way to get your new card.
If you cannot complete the request online, you will need to visit the Social Security office. The instructions for Form SS-5 explain what documents are required for in-person applications.
If you lose your Social Security card, you should request a replacement. In addition, you want to take steps to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. Make sure you closely monitor your credit report, and you should probably sign up for a credit monitoring service.
Go ahead and place a fraud alert on your SSN with the credit bureaus so that lenders can take additional steps to verify your identity before issuing credit in your name.
If you can request your replacement online, you should receive your new card within a couple of weeks. However, if you complete your request in person, you can expect a longer wait time. In that case, it will generally take about 30 days to receive your new card.
To help move things along as quickly as possible, ensure you have all your documents in order, like your U.S. birth certificate, before starting your request.
You can find a Social Security Administration office near you by using our SSA office locator and searching for your closest location.
