A replacement Social Security card is free, and the SSA mails it in 5 to 10 business days after your request is complete. Depending on your situation you may apply online; if not, you make an appointment at a local office.
First ask whether you need one. The SSA says “in most cases, a physical card isn’t necessary” if you know your number.
The short answer
- Cost: free. Never pay a site that charges for it.
- How: online if you are eligible, otherwise by appointment at a local office. The office cannot print a card for you on the spot.
- Timing: mailed in 5 to 10 business days after the request is complete. Plan for the card to arrive by mail, not at the counter.
- Phone: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Say you want a replacement card.
- Documents: original or agency-certified papers only. No photocopies, no notarized copies.
Do you actually need a replacement card?
Often not. If you know your Social Security number, the SSA says you may not need to replace the card, because a physical card is not necessary in most cases. If you still want one, a replacement is free.
Ask yourself one question: will someone demand the physical card, or only the number? If only the number, skip the request.
How do you request a replacement?
You have three routes:
- Online. The application starts at secure.ssa.gov. You may also request a replacement from a my Social Security account.
- By phone. Call 1-800-772-1213 and say you want a replacement card.
- At a local office. Make an appointment. The office cannot print the card for you, so it still comes by mail.
Start online if you can. It saves a trip. If the site says you do not qualify, switch to the phone or an appointment.
What documents does the SSA accept?
The SSA needs original or agency-certified documents. It accepts no photocopies and no notarized copies, and documents must be current. Examples of identity proof include a U.S. driver’s license, a state non-driver ID or a U.S. passport. Proof of citizenship is needed only if it is not already established with the SSA.
The common mistake is bringing a photocopy or a notarized copy. Both are refused. Check that your ID has not expired before you go.
What is a my Social Security account?
It is a personal online account. You sign in with Login.gov or ID.me, which needs an email address, a government photo ID and a phone or camera device. With it you can:
- request a replacement card
- change your address or direct deposit
- print proof of benefits or tax forms
- get your Social Security Statement
- use planning tools to estimate benefits at different ages
- review your earnings history and monitor for unusual activity
For retirement ages, see full retirement age by birth year.
Who should use which route?
- You have an account or can create one: go online first.
- You prefer talking to a person: call 1-800-772-1213, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- You use TTY: call 1-800-325-0778.
- You only need your number: skip the request.
Not covered: eligibility rules for the online application and the annual and lifetime replacement limits, because the SSA pages that state them could not be read.
Questions and answers
Can the local office print my card on the spot?
No. The SSA says the local office cannot print one for you. The card is mailed.
Is there a fee?
No. A replacement card is free.
How long does a replacement card take?
The SSA mails it in 5 to 10 business days after the request is completed.
Can I use a photocopy as proof?
No. The SSA accepts only original or agency-certified documents. Photocopies and notarized copies are refused.
Do I need proof of citizenship?
Only if it is not already established with the SSA. A passport can serve as identity proof.
Can I request the card from my phone or computer?
Yes, if eligible. Use the online application or your my Social Security account, or call 1-800-772-1213.
This is general information, not legal advice.
Sources
- SSA: replace your Social Security card
- SSA: documents for a Social Security card
- SSA: my Social Security
Facts last checked on 20 October 2026.
