This guide is for a replacement card and if you are also a U.S. Citizen, please follow the steps below:
You may be able to request your replacement Social Security card online. The online service is a fast and secure way to get a replacement. If you are age 18 or older with a U.S. mailing address and have a my Social Security account, you can apply for a replacement card online.
Instructions for using the online method:
- Create new account on https://secure.ssa.gov/RIL/SiView.action
- Click on Social Security Card Replacement
- Verify email address and identification
- Drivers license or ID card must be active – *You will not be allowed to change your name, date of birth, place of birth, citizenship, or parent’s name on this online service. This is just for a replacement card if lost or stolen. Click this link for instructions on how to get your Florida ID
- Verify Identity as it appears on your driver’s license or ID card
- Click Submit
- Applicants will receive their card in 7-10 business days
Instructions for In-Person or By Mail:
You can replace your Social Security card for free if it is lost or stolen. However, you may not need to get a replacement card. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. You are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime. Legal name changes and other exceptions do not count toward these limits. For example, changes in immigration status that require card updates may not count toward these limits. Also, you may not be affected by these limits if you can prove you need the card to prevent a significant hardship.
Important
You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. They cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current (not expired). They cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.
You may be able to request your replacement Social Security card online. The online service is a fast and secure way to get a replacement. If you are age 18 or older with a U.S. mailing address and have a my Social Security account, you can apply for a replacement card online.
What original documents do I need?
Citizenship
If you have not already established your U.S. citizenship with us, they will need to see proof of U.S. citizenship. They can accept only certain documents as proof of U.S. citizenship. These include a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport.
Identity
They can accept only certain documents as proof of identity. An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph. For example, as proof of identity Social Security must see your:
- U.S. driver’s license;
- State-issued non-driver identification card (Click this link for instructions on how to get your Florida ID); or
- U.S. passport.
If you do not have one of these specific documents or you cannot get a replacement for one of them within 10 days, they will ask to see other documents. Any documents submitted, including the following, must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph:
- Employee identification card;
- School identification card;
- Health insurance card (not a Medicare card); or
- U.S. military identification card.
Note
They may use one document for two purposes. For example, they may use your U.S. passport as proof of both citizenship and identity.
The form required for the Social Security office can be downloaded here: https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf
On the online form, there are two options about how to proceed. You can:
- Complete the last page of the form online and then print it out (This would be our recommendation. You can find the Print icon in the top right)
- Print out the form by clicking the Print icon in the top right and then filling in the form by hand before going to the Social Security office nearest you.
Due to the impact of Covid-19, many Social Security offices have changed their hours. Please use the website below to find when your local office will be open. Also there is the option of mailing in your documents, but they do require the original documents or certified copies to be sent. See the section labeled “Important” above for more information.
To find the closest Social Security office near you, go to this website and enter your zip code: https://secure.ssa.gov/
(All information in this guide can also be found at this website: https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm)
