Where are social security cards mailed from

If you lost your card, you may not need a replacement. In most cases, simply knowing your Social Security number (SSN) is enough. But, if you do need a replacement, you can complete your application online or in-person.

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. If you aren’t able to use a personal my Social Security account to request a replacement card, you can still begin the process online and complete it in a local Social Security office or card center, usually in less time.

If you cannot complete the application online, you will need to provide the required documents. We need to see different documents depending on your citizenship and the type of card you are requesting. If you do not begin the application online, you will need to fill out and print an Application for a Social Security Card and bring it to your local Social Security office.

Before requesting a replacement card, please remember that you might not need the physical card. Most of the time, simply knowing your Social Security number is enough.

If you have a critical situation that requires you to have a physical card and you cannot apply by mail or online, you should call your local Social Security office. Please visit our Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates page for more information.

Applying Online

If you don’t need any changes to your Social Security Number record (such as a name or date of birth change), applying for a replacement card online is your most convenient option. You don’t need to mail proof or visit an office.

You can use our online application if you are an adult, have a State-issued drivers’ license or non-driver identification card, and live in the District of Columbia or one of the 45 States that verifies State-issued documents for us. All you need to do is create a my Social Security account to access and complete the online application.

If you live in one of the five States that do not participate—Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, and West Virginia—know that we are working hard to bring this service to you as soon as possible.

Applying by Mail

We require proof of your identity with your replacement card application, usually a State-issued drivers’ license or non-driver identification card, or U.S. passport. We call these documents “primary” identity proofs. We understand mailing primary identity proofs with your replacement card application can be challenging. To help, we are temporarily expanding our policy to accept alternative identity documents—or what we call “secondary proofs”—when you cannot mail primary proof.

Acceptable secondary proofs include, but are not limited to:

• Employee identification card.
• School identification card.
• Health insurance card (not a Medicare card).
• U.S. military identification card.

These proofs must be current (not expired), show your name and identifying information (such as your date of birth or age), and be an original or a certified copy.

If you need to change your name, when you mail your replacement card application, you will need to submit proof of identity plus proof of the name change. The proof of identity can be primary or secondary proof. Proof of the name change could be a marriage certificate, divorce decree, Certificate of Naturalization showing the new name, or a court order approving the name change.

You may be able to submit one document to serve as proof of your name change and identity. For example, you may submit a marriage certificate as proof of name change and identity if the certificate shows the marriage occurred within the prior two years and:

• Includes your prior name.
• Includes your age, birth date or parents’ names.
• This information matches your Social Security Number record.

We will return any documents you send us.

Tags: COVID-19, Social Security card

About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

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Comments

1. Darrin J.

   September 18, 2021 2:19PM

   If I mail my I’d with my documents will it be mailed back

   • 

     Vonda

     September 21, 2021 8:12AM

     Hi Darrin, thanks for using our blog. Our Social Security and Coronavirus web page, under “Social Security Numbers and Cards” heading, provides details on the documents you need to mail in with your Social Security card application to get a replacement card. We temporarily expanded our policy to accept secondary identity documents.

      

     All submitted documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. All documents will be returned to you. We hope this helps!

2. Nicole C.

   September 18, 2021 10:21AM

   Hi – I was married in October of 2020. Been waiting to see if SS office would reopen so I could go in-person to change my name. Tired of waiting. Going to mail in.

   Is it correct that to get a name change I can mail in:
   Application for a corrected card,
   Health insurance card (has name and D.O.B)
   certified copy of marriage license.

   For obvious reasons, I’m hesitant to throw these things in the mail, even when tracked. Is there anything else you would need?

   • 

     Vonda

     September 21, 2021 8:07AM

     Hi Nicole, thanks for using our blog. You may want to contact your local Social Security office or your local Social Security Card Center to find out your options for submitting the required documentation. We hope this helps!

3. Charlotte

   September 17, 2021 8:45PM

   I mailed in my application for new social security card after my marriage (name change) along with supporting documents. It’s been almost 5 weeks, when can I expect to get my new card?

   • 

     Patty

     September 20, 2021 12:34PM

     Hi Charlotte, thanks for using our blog. Typically, after we receive the application and verify the documents, you can expect to receive the card in the mail within 10 – 14 business days.  For status of your card application and documents, call your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator.  The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.

4. Bruce N.

   September 17, 2021 5:04PM

   Hi, long story short. Born in Chicago 1959 moved to Sweden 4 years old. Now after 48 years retired and moving back to the US. Lost my birth certificate along the way. Now living in Florida. Sent all the paperwork needed to Chicago. How long do I need to wait for my birth certificate so I can get my Social security card. Kind regards. Bruce

   • 

     Vonda

     September 21, 2021 8:04AM

     Hi Bruce, thank you for using our blog. Please contact the agency that is processing your request for a birth certificate. In the meantime, check out our Social Security Number and Card web page for details on how to get a new, replacement or corrected Social Security card. If you click on Step 1, you can learn what documents you will need. All submitted documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. All documents will be returned to you. We hope this helps!

5. Shaye

   September 17, 2021 12:49AM

   Hi, I changed my name back in 1997 which meant I got a new replacement Soc Sec card with my new name. I am migrating to another country and am being required to present proof that I changed my name. I did not need a court order at the time (pre 9/11), I presented the SSA with a notarized form and was given a new card with my new name. How can I access my records with the SSA to show that I changed my name with your agency so that I can forward it to the requesting department for my migration case?

   • 

     Vonda

     September 21, 2021 7:35AM

     Hi Shaye, thank you for using our blog to ask your question. It sounds like you need to request a replacement Social Security card. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to apply for a replacement Social Security card. All submitted documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.

     If you’re unable to apply for a replacement card online, check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page, under “Social Security Numbers and Cards” heading, for details on the documents you need to mail in with your Social Security card application to get a replacement card. We temporarily expanded our policy to accept secondary identity documents.

     Contact your local Social Security office or your local Social Security Card Center to find out your submission options. We hope this helps!

6. Rachel H.

   September 16, 2021 6:06PM

   So am I supposed to send my actual drivers license? A copy of it won’t do? I am trying to get a replacement card for my son who is trying to get his drivers permit. I have called the 1800 # to speak with a rep to make an appt. He only has a certain amount of time to complete this task before I have to pay for schooling again. The phone hangs up after 15-25 minutes of waiting to speak with a rep.

   Are Social Security cards made at the local offices?

   Once you complete your application (online or in-person), we will mail the card after we process the application. Please understand that we don't issue cards at our offices.

   How long does Social Security take to mail?

   You should receive your paper Social Security Statement in the mail in four to six weeks. If you were unable to create or encountered a problem with your my Social Security account, you may visit a local office or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) for help.