A Social Security card is an essential document, and you often need it for identity verification purposes. 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 in 2022.
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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. If your name has changed, for instance, then the process will be a little different than if you lost your card. If you need to replace a lost or stolen Social Security card with no other changes, that is the most straightforward process. Here are the general steps you will need to follow, and we will call out the differences in details where applicable.
Step #1. Gather Identification Documents
First, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will need to ensure that you are who you say you are before issuing a new card. They will need to verify your identity, and you will need to 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, then 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 some other acceptable document. You will also need a document showing your date of birth, but a birth certificate will accomplish that as well. Make sure that you provide original documents 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, then 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 Social Security account through www.SSA.gov and complete the application online.
Step #3. Visit Your Local SSA Office
Next, you will need to head down to your local Social Security office with your original documents to submit your application. Make sure that you make an appointment first, as walk-ins are not being accepted at most office locations at this time. In many states, you can submit your application completely 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.
Can You Get A Same-Day Social Security Card Replacement?
So, is there a Social Security card center where you can receive a replacement card the same day? The short answer is no. The fastest way to receive your replacement card is by requesting it online if you are eligible. If you live in any state other than Alaska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, or West Virginia, then you can request your replacement online. You should receive your new card in the mail within 14 days.
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 will sometimes work in a pinch. If you submit your application for a new card in person, then you can get a receipt showing that your application has been submitted. In some cases, this will 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.
Getting A Replacement Social Security Card Online
The Social Security Administration has added many online services over the past couple of years. The quickest and easiest way to get a replacement Social Security number card is to request one online. You will first need to use your Social Security number and some other personal information to register for an account through www.SSA.gov. 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, and many other things.
Once you have your account created, then it is time to request your replacement card. Remember that you must be a U.S. citizen age 18 or older with a U.S. mailing address. You must also not be requesting any other changes to your card — not even a legal name change. If you have a new name, then you will need to 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. If you meet these eligibility requirements, then you can proceed with your online request.
Follow the prompts on the SSA website to complete your online request and upload your documentation. Once you have submitted your request, then you can expect your new card to arrive in the mail in a couple of weeks. Most cards that are requested online are received within 14 days.
The Bottom Line
If you need to request a new SSN card, the process is not extremely difficult. However, you might need to visit your local Social Security office if you do not qualify to request a replacement card online. Make sure that you have original documents that show proof of your identity and citizenship status, like a birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or other U.S. hospital record. Some religious records or an adoption decree can also be used to prove age, but they must meet certain requirements. Social Security cards are not available to non-citizens or those with other immigration statuses in most cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get a replacement Social Security card?
The fastest way to get a replacement card is to register for a Social Security account through www.SSA.gov 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 in person, then you will need to visit the Social Security office. You can learn what documents are required for in-person applications by reading through the instructions for Form SS-5.
What should I do if I lost my Social Security card?
If you lose your Social Security card, you should go ahead and request a replacement. In addition, you want to take steps to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft. Make sure that you keep a close eye on 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 must take additional steps to verify your identity before issuing credit in your name.
How long does it take to replace a Social Security card?
If you can request your replacement online, then you should receive your new card within a couple of weeks. However, if you complete your request in person, then you can expect a longer wait time. It will generally take about 30 days to receive your new card in that case. Make sure that you have all your documents in order, like your U.S. birth certificate, before starting your request to help move things along as quickly as possible.
FAQs
How do I get Social Security answers? ›
Please call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) for assistance.
How can I prove my Social Security number without a card? ›You'll need to show us a U.S. driver's license, a state issued non-driver identification card, or a U.S. passport to prove your identity. Sometimes you may also need to prove your current U.S. citizenship or lawful noncitizen status with a birth certificate or passport.
What happens if you exceed your limit of Social Security cards? ›C.
When an applicant meets the 3-card yearly or 10-card lifetime limit and does not qualify for one of the exception reasons above, SSNAP denies the replacement SSN card application. A denial notice is then generated and mailed from Central Office. For instructions, see the SSNAP User Guide.
You should usually receive it within 7-10 business days from that time. Because we are experiencing slight delays in processing mail-in Social Security card applications, it may take us between 2-4 weeks to process a mail-in application and return the evidence.
How long does it take Social Security to answer phone? ›The amount of time you will wait on the phone to speak to a live representative can vary, based on when you call and what issue you need resolved. In 2021, the average wait time was just over 13 minutes, according to data from the Social Security Administration.
What do I do if Social Security won't answer the phone? ›File a feedback form with SSA – While giving your feedback will not resolve your issue , you can easily fill out the form while you are waiting on hold with SSA for an hour.
What works as proof of Social Security number? ›Verification Documents
The only documents acceptable for visual verification of your SSN for original REAL ID applications are originals of the following: A social security card. A W-2 form. A SSA-1099 form.
A driver's license. Identification card issued by a federal, state, or local agency. Identification card issued by a medical insurance company or provider (including Medicare and Medicaid). Identification card issued by an employer or trade union.
What is a good proof of Social Security number? ›Your Social Security card. Tax form(s). Benefit or income statement from Social Security containing the Social Security number. Pending application for an SSN.
Is there a limit to how many replacement Social Security cards you can get? ›(2) Limits on the number of replacement cards. There are limits on the number of replacement social security number cards we will issue to you. You may receive no more than three replacement social security number cards in a year and ten replacement social security number cards per lifetime.
Can I laminate my Social Security card? ›
Do not laminate your card. Lamination prevents detection of many security features. However, you may cover the card with plastic or other removable material if it does not damage the card.
Do you ever max out on Social Security? ›The maximum benefit depends on the age you retire. For example, if you retire at full retirement age in 2023, your maximum benefit would be $3,627. However, if you retire at age 62 in 2023, your maximum benefit would be $2,572. If you retire at age 70 in 2023, your maximum benefit would be $4,555.
Is it faster to get a replacement Social Security card online or in person? ›Applying online is the fastest way to obtain a Social Security card. Answer a few questions to see if you can complete your request online, or if you need to finish part or all of your request in-person. Either way, you'll receive your Social Security card in the mail within 14 days after your application is completed.
Can I get a replacement Social Security card at my local office? ›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. If you need to visit an office, we encourage you to first check the office's status at our Office Closings and Emergencies page.
Can I get a new Social Security number if my card was stolen? ›You can't get a new Social Security number: If your Social Security card is lost or stolen, but there's no evidence that someone is using your number.
What is the least busy time to call Social Security? ›You can call our National 800 Number at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter early in the day (between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. local time) or later in the afternoon (between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. local time).
Why does it take so long to get an answer from Social Security? ›Because there are so many applications that are filed each year, it takes time for the SSA to process and review each one. This review time can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months on average. Most people have their initial application denied. It doesn't mean that your case is over and that you should give up.
How do I get the $16728 Social Security bonus? ›Who is eligible for Social Security bonus? For every year that you delay claiming past full retirement age, your monthly benefits will get an 8% “bonus.” That amounts to a whopping 24% if you wait to file until age 70.
Does Social Security get in touch with you by phone? ›Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us, but we will never: Threaten you with arrest of legal action. Suspend your Social Security number (SSN). Demand immediate payment from you.
Does Social Security have online chat? ›Click the "Let's Talk" Button Below and Ask One of Our Live Advisors Your Free Social Security Question!
Should I say my Social Security over the phone? ›
Never say your SSN aloud in public. Beware of phishing scams (emails, internet links, and phone calls) trying to trick you into revealing personal information. Create a personal my Social Security account to help you keep track of your records and identify any suspicious activity.
Can I use an old w2 as proof of Social Security? ›You can prove your SSN with one of the following documents that shows your asserted legal name. W-2 Form with full SSN (including W-2C, W-2G, etc.) SSA-1099 Form with full SSN (including SSA-1099-SM, SSA-1099-R-OP1, etc.)
How are the first 3 digits of your Social Security number determined? ›The first three (3) digits of a person's social security number are determined by the ZIP Code of the mailing address shown on the application for a social security number. Prior to 1973, social security numbers were assigned by our field offices.
How does SSN verify identity? ›If you make a request to us in person, you must provide at least one piece of tangible identification such as a driver's license, passport, alien or voter registration card, or union card to verify your identity.
What else can I use to verify my identity? ›Photo Identification
State identification (ID) card. Driver license. US passport or passport card. US military card (front and back)
If you are unsure of your Social Security number and don't have your card, you may be able to verify the number by looking at certain documents, such as your: Tax returns. W-2 form. 1099 form.
Should I worry if I lost my Social Security card? ›If your Social Security card or number (SSN) is lost or stolen, you should immediately contact your local police department and the Social Security Administration (call toll-free 1-800-772-1213) to let them know about the incident.
What happens if I loose my Social Security card? ›Contact the police and Social Security Administration to report possible theft, and begin applying for your replacement card right away. When you apply for your replacement Social Security card online or in-person, you will need an identification card or document that indicates your U.S. citizenship and identity.
How much does Social Security charge for a replacement card? ›It's free to get a Social Security card.
Should I carry my Social Security card in my wallet? ›We encourage you not to carry your Social Security card with you every day. The best way to “Guard Your Card” is to keep it in a safe place and share it only when required, which is rare. In fact, in most cases, just knowing the Social Security number should be enough.
Can you get a metal Social Security card? ›
No, metal social security cards are not legal.
According to form I-9, it is clearly indicated that a signature on the social security card is not a validation of the social security card. In addition, if the card is laminated or made of metal, it is not accepted.
The background of the card should be an erasable random blue-tinted pattern, meaning any attempt to erase information on the card would erase this pattern as well. Planchettes—small, multi-colored disks—are randomly placed in the paper used to make the card, and should be visible to the naked eye.
What is the lowest Social Security payment? ›For 2021, the minimum earnings threshold was $15,930, and it increased to $16,380 in 2022. For 2022, a worker with 11 years of coverage receives a special minimum Social Security benefit of $45.50 per month, while a worker with 30 years of coverage gets a special minimum benefit of $950.80 per month.
Why retiring at 62 is a good idea? ›Your Social Security benefit is guaranteed to increase by 8% for each year of delayed claiming between your full retirement age and age 70. If you think you can beat that amount through other investments, you could receive more abundant financial rewards by taking Social Security early and investing the proceeds.
What is the Social Security 5 year rule? ›You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes in five of the last 10 years. If you also get a pension from a job where you didn't pay Social Security taxes (e.g., a civil service or teacher's pension), your Social Security benefit might be reduced.
Does Social Security give you a new card the same day? ›Replace Your Social Security Card
Answer a few questions to see if you can complete the request online, or if you need to finish part or all of your request in person. Either way, you'll receive your Social Security card in the mail within 14 days after your application is completed.
On Your Tax Returns or Bank Statement
But if you don't remember where you placed your card, you can also check out your W-2s, tax returns, or bank statements. The Social Security Number usually appears there.
You should receive your SSN card within 2 weeks after we have everything we need to process your application, including verification of your immigration document with the USCIS. If we are unable to immediately verify your immigration document with the USCIS, it may take 2 additional weeks to receive your card.
How do I replace my Social Security card? ›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.
How do I replace my Social Security card near me? ›Our website, www.ssa.gov, is the best way for people with access to the internet to get help. If you cannot use our website, call our National 800 Number or your local Social Security office for help. We will schedule an appointment for you, if necessary.
How do I stop someone from using my Social Security number? ›
If you know your Social Security information has been compromised, you can request to Block Electronic Access. This is done by calling our National 800 number (Toll Free 1-800-772-1213 or at our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778).
How to get a 2nd Social Security number and start over legally? ›...
We can assign a different number only if:
- Sequential numbers assigned to members of the same family are causing problems.
- More than one person is assigned or using the same number.
Call the Internal Revenue Service at (800) 908-4490 to report the theft and help prevent someone from submitting a tax return in your name.
How do I reach a live person at Social Security? ›You can call our National 800 Number at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter early in the day (between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. local time) or later in the afternoon (between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. local time).
Does SSA have live chat? ›Click the "Let's Talk" Button Below and Ask One of Our Live Advisors Your Free Social Security Question!
How backlogged is Social Security? ›In August 2022 the average wait for an initial disability decision at SSA hit an all-time high of 198 days (6.6 months), more than two months longer than before the pandemic. (The average so far this year is 6.1 months; see chart.)
Is Social Security behind on processing applications? ›The Covid-19 pandemic prompted the Social Security Administration to suspend in-person services in March 2020. Now, a new report from the Social Security Office of the Inspector General finds that the agency is still behind with regard to processing some mailed applications and requests for Social Security cards.
How can I speed up my SSI process? ›- Requesting an OTR Decision. ...
- Requesting an Attorney Advisor Decision. ...
- Compassionate Allowances List. ...
- Terminal Illnesses. ...
- Presumptive Disability. ...
- Dire Need. ...
- Military Service Members. ...
- Contacting a Member of Congress.
If you cannot handle your business through our automated services, you can speak to a Social Security representative between 8 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Generally, you'll have a shorter wait time if you call during the week after Tuesday.
How do I make an appointment with the nearest Social Security office? ›If you do need an appointment you can schedule, reschedule, or cancel an appointment by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8:00 am – 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday or contacting your local Social Security office.
Is it okay to say Social Security over the phone? ›
You should never provide your SSN to someone you don't know who calls you on the phone and requests it. This same warning applies to unsolicited emails and any forms you fill out on the internet. In general, don't give your SSN to anyone unless you are absolutely certain they have a reason and a right to have it.
Is it better to apply for Social Security in person or online? ›Overall, most people feel that applying for social security benefits online is a much more convenient option than applying in person. The process is straightforward and easy to follow, and you can complete it at any time that is convenient for you.
Will Social Security call you over the phone? ›Generally, we will only contact you if you have requested a call or have ongoing business with us, but we will never: Threaten you with arrest of legal action. Suspend your Social Security number (SSN). Demand immediate payment from you.
Do you get Social Security if you never worked? ›Even if they have never worked under Social Security, your spouse may be eligible for benefits if they are at least 62 years of age and you are receiving retirement or disability benefits.
Will Social Security be around in 14 years? ›However, the recent 2022 Social Security Trustees report finds that in 2034, retirees will start receiving a reduced benefit if Congress doesn't fix funding issues for the social program. In other words, Social Security will exist after 2034, but retirees will only receive 77% of their full benefit starting then.
Will Social Security be around in 35 years? ›While the boomers are swelling the ranks of retirees (and living, and collecting benefits, longer), lower birth rates in subsequent generations mean there are fewer workers paying into Social Security. The upshot is that if no changes are made, the system will run through its reserve assets by 2035, if not sooner.