A Social Security card is an important document that is used to verify your identity and prove your eligibility for Social Security benefits. If you have lost, stolen, or damaged your Social Security card, you can get a replacement card. The process for getting a replacement card is relatively simple, but there are a few things you need to know before you start.
First, you will need to gather the following documents:
Once you have gathered the required documents, you can apply for a replacement Social Security card in person at your local Social Security office. You can also apply by mail or online. If you apply by mail, you will need to send your application and the required documents to the Social Security Administration. If you apply online, you will need to create an account and follow the instructions provided.
how to get a replacement social security card
Gather required documents.
- Apply in person or online.
- Complete application form.
- Provide proof of identity.
- Pay application fee.
- Receive replacement card.
- Activate replacement card.
- Report lost or stolen card.
Keep replacement card safe.
Apply in person or online.
You can apply for a replacement Social Security card either in person at your local Social Security office or online.
- Apply in person:
To apply in person, you will need to visit your local Social Security office. You can find the address of your local office on the Social Security Administration's website. When you visit the office, you will need to bring the required documents with you. You can find a list of the required documents on the Social Security Administration's website.
- Apply online:
To apply online, you will need to create an account on the Social Security Administration's website. Once you have created an account, you will be able to start the application process. You will need to provide the same information that you would provide if you were applying in person. You will also need to upload copies of the required documents.
- Pay application fee:
There is a $30 application fee for a replacement Social Security card. You can pay the fee online or by mail. If you are applying in person, you can pay the fee at the Social Security office.
- Receive replacement card:
Once your application is processed, you will receive your replacement Social Security card in the mail. It typically takes about 10 business days to receive your replacement card.
If you have any questions about applying for a replacement Social Security card, you can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
Complete application form.
The Social Security application form for a replacement Social Security card is called Form SS-5. You can download the form from the Social Security Administration's website or you can pick up a copy at your local Social Security office.
The form is divided into four sections:
- Personal information: This section includes your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number (if you know it).
- Proof of identity: This section asks for documentation to prove your identity, such as a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status: This section asks for documentation to prove your U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status, such as a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate.
- Signature and certification: This section asks you to sign and certify the information on the form is true and correct.
When you complete the form, be sure to use black ink and print clearly. You should also answer all of the questions on the form to the best of your ability. If you have any questions about completing the form, you can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
Once you have completed the form, you will need to submit it to the Social Security Administration. You can submit the form in person at your local Social Security office or by mail. If you are submitting the form by mail, you should send it to the address listed on the form.
Provide proof of identity.
When you apply for a replacement Social Security card, you will need to provide proof of your identity. There are a number of different documents that you can use to prove your identity, including:
- Driver's license
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Naturalization certificate
- Alien registration card
- Military ID card
- Employee ID card
- School ID card
- Voter registration card
If you do not have any of these documents, you can also use two other forms of identification, such as:
- Bank statement
- Credit card statement
- Utility bill
- Lease agreement
- Insurance policy
- Paycheck stub
When you submit your application for a replacement Social Security card, you will need to provide original documents or certified copies of your documents. Photocopies will not be accepted.
If you are unable to provide any of the required documents, you may be able to get a replacement Social Security card if you can provide a sworn statement from a person who knows you and can verify your identity. The person who provides the sworn statement must be at least 18 years old and have known you for at least two years.
Pay application fee.
There is a $30 application fee for a replacement Social Security card. You can pay the fee online, by mail, or in person at a Social Security office.
- Pay online:
You can pay the application fee online using a credit or debit card. To pay online, you will need to visit the Social Security Administration's website and follow the instructions.
- Pay by mail:
You can pay the application fee by mail by sending a check or money order to the address listed on the application form. Be sure to include your name, Social Security number, and the amount of the fee on the check or money order.
- Pay in person:
You can pay the application fee in person at a Social Security office. To find the address of your local Social Security office, you can visit the Social Security Administration's website or call 1-800-772-1213.
- Fee waivers:
In some cases, you may be able to get a fee waiver for the replacement Social Security card. To qualify for a fee waiver, you must meet certain income and asset requirements. For more information about fee waivers, you can visit the Social Security Administration's website or call 1-800-772-1213.
If you are unable to pay the application fee, you may be able to get a replacement Social Security card without paying the fee. To do this, you will need to submit a written request to the Social Security Administration. In your request, you will need to explain why you are unable to pay the fee and provide documentation to support your claim. You can find more information about getting a replacement Social Security card without paying the fee on the Social Security Administration's website.
Receive replacement card.
Once your application for a replacement Social Security card has been processed, you will receive your new card in the mail. It typically takes about 10 business days to receive your replacement card.
When you receive your replacement card, be sure to check it carefully to make sure that all of the information on the card is correct. If there are any errors on the card, you should contact the Social Security Administration immediately.
You can activate your replacement Social Security card by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. You will need to provide your name, Social Security number, and the date of birth on your card.
Once your card is activated, you can use it to prove your identity and to access Social Security benefits and services. You should keep your Social Security card in a safe place and protect it from theft or damage.
Activate replacement card.
Once you have received your replacement Social Security card, you need to activate it before you can use it. You can activate your card online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
To activate your card online:
- Go to the Social Security Administration's website and create an account.
- Once you have created an account, log in and click on the "Replace a Social Security card" link.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to activate your card.
To activate your card by phone:
- Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
- Tell the representative that you need to activate your replacement Social Security card.
- Provide the representative with your name, Social Security number, and the date of birth on your card.
To activate your card in person:
- Visit your local Social Security office.
- Bring your replacement Social Security card and a valid photo ID with you.
- Ask a representative to activate your card.
Once your card is activated, you can use it to prove your identity and to access Social Security benefits and services. You should keep your Social Security card in a safe place and protect it from theft or damage.
Report lost or stolen card.
If your Social Security card is lost or stolen, you should report it to the Social Security Administration immediately. You can report your card lost or stolen online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
To report your card lost or stolen online:
- Go to the Social Security Administration's website and create an account.
- Once you have created an account, log in and click on the "Replace a Social Security card" link.
- Follow the instructions on the screen to report your card lost or stolen.
To report your card lost or stolen by phone:
- Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
- Tell the representative that your Social Security card is lost or stolen.
- Provide the representative with your name, Social Security number, and the date of birth on your card.
To report your card lost or stolen in person:
- Visit your local Social Security office.
- Bring a valid photo ID with you.
- Ask a representative to help you report your card lost or stolen.
Once you have reported your card lost or stolen, the Social Security Administration will cancel your old card and issue you a new one. You will need to pay a $30 fee for the replacement card.
FAQ
Have more questions? Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about getting a replacement Social Security card:
Question 1: How long does it take to get a replacement Social Security card?
Answer 1: It typically takes about 10 business days to receive a replacement Social Security card.
Question 2: How much does it cost to get a replacement Social Security card?
Answer 2: There is a $30 fee for a replacement Social Security card.
Question 3: Can I get a replacement Social Security card online?
Answer 3: Yes, you can apply for a replacement Social Security card online. You will need to create an account on the Social Security Administration's website.
Question 4: What documents do I need to apply for a replacement Social Security card?
Answer 4: You will need to provide proof of your identity, proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status, and a completed application form.
Question 5: What should I do if my Social Security card is lost or stolen?
Answer 5: You should report your Social Security card lost or stolen to the Social Security Administration immediately. You can report your card lost or stolen online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office.
Question 6: Can I get a replacement Social Security card if I don't have any of the required documents?
Answer 6: In some cases, you may be able to get a replacement Social Security card if you don't have any of the required documents. You will need to submit a written request to the Social Security Administration explaining why you are unable to provide the required documents.
If you have any other questions about getting a replacement Social Security card, you can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
Once you have received your replacement Social Security card, be sure to keep it in a safe place and protect it from theft or damage.
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you get a replacement Social Security card quickly and easily:
Tip 1: Gather the required documents in advance.
Before you apply for a replacement Social Security card, make sure you have all of the required documents. This will help you avoid delays in processing your application.
Tip 2: Apply for your replacement card online or by phone.
If you are able to, apply for your replacement Social Security card online or by phone. This is the fastest and easiest way to get a replacement card.
Tip 3: Report your lost or stolen card immediately.
If your Social Security card is lost or stolen, report it to the Social Security Administration immediately. This will help to protect your identity and prevent fraud.
Tip 4: Keep your replacement card in a safe place.
Once you receive your replacement Social Security card, keep it in a safe place and protect it from theft or damage. You should also make a copy of your card and keep it in a separate location.
Following these tips can help you get a replacement Social Security card quickly and easily.
If you have any other questions about getting a replacement Social Security card, you can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
Conclusion
Getting a replacement Social Security card is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things you need to know before you start. First, you will need to gather the required documents, which include proof of your identity, proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status, and a completed application form. You can apply for a replacement card online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. There is a $30 fee for a replacement card.
If your Social Security card is lost or stolen, you should report it to the Social Security Administration immediately. You can report your card lost or stolen online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. Once you have reported your card lost or stolen, the Social Security Administration will cancel your old card and issue you a new one.
It typically takes about 10 business days to receive a replacement Social Security card. Once you receive your replacement card, be sure to keep it in a safe place and protect it from theft or damage. You should also make a copy of your card and keep it in a separate location.
If you have any questions about getting a replacement Social Security card, you can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can get a replacement Social Security card quickly and easily.