Step-by-step guide

How to replace your Social Security card

The short answer

Replacing your Social Security card is free. Start online at ssa.gov: anyone can start there, even without a my Social Security account, and many adult citizens can finish there too. The card comes by mail in about two weeks; a local office can't print one for you on the spot.1 2 3

You may not need the card at all. Employers, banks and agencies usually just need the number.2

Updated October 2026. Rules differ by state, so call your office before you go. Questions? We're here: call or text 888-860-RISE.

Leaving foster care or prison? Ask before you go

Leaving foster care: federal law says the state must give you your Social Security card, along with your birth certificate, health insurance information, medical records and a state ID, before you leave care at 18 or later, unless you were in care less than 6 months.14

Leaving prison: Social Security has prerelease agreements with prisons in every region and a national agreement with federal prisons, so you may be able to apply for a replacement card before you walk out. Ask your case manager.13

Your steps, in order

1
Check whether you need the card
If you know your number, you may not need to replace the card. Employers, organizations, banks and agencies usually just need the number.1 2
2
Start online
Social Security says the fastest way is to start your application online. Anyone can start, even without a personal my Social Security account, and most U.S. citizens can request and receive a replacement card through the website.1 2
If you can't finish online, you may be able to schedule an appointment at a local office or Card Center after you start, and you have 45 days to complete it. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).4
3
Bring proof of who you are
The main documents are a U.S. driver's license, a state ID card or a U.S. passport. If you don't have any of those, Social Security may accept an employee ID, a school ID, a health insurance card (not a Medicare card) or a U.S. military ID.5
You only need proof of citizenship, such as a U.S. birth certificate or passport, if you haven't already shown it to Social Security.5
Documents must be originals or copies certified by the office that issued them, and current. Social Security doesn't accept photocopies, notarized copies or a receipt showing you applied for a document.5
Bring
- Driver's license, state ID or passport
- If you have none: employee ID, school ID, health insurance card or military ID
- U.S. birth certificate or passport, only if Social Security doesn't already have proof of your citizenship
Tip:
No ID on the list? Apply for Medicaid first. Social Security's staff manual lists a Medicaid card among the documents it may accept.6
4
Know the limits, and the exceptions
You can get no more than 3 replacement cards in a year and 10 in your life. Legal name changes don't count toward the limits.8
Social Security may make an exception if going without the card would cause you significant hardship. One example in the rule: a referral letter from a government social services agency saying you must show the card to get benefits or services.8 9
5
Keep it safe
Keep the card in a safe place with your other important papers, and don't carry it unless you need to show it to an employer or service provider.10

What it costs

Item	Cost
Replacement card	Free
Private websites that offer to do it for you	They charge fees, offer no advantage, and you still have to give your documents to Social Security

If this is you

Situations that change the rules.

Leaving an abuser

Social Security can assign a new number when evidence shows you're being harassed or abused or your life is in danger. Apply in person at any office. The best evidence comes from third parties such as police or medical staff; restraining orders and letters from shelters can help too. If you plan to change your name, do it first. Your old records stay under your old number.11

Identity theft

You can ask for a new number only if you're still being affected when you use your original one. Bring proof of the ongoing problems, and call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment.12

Aging out of foster care

The state must give you your Social Security card before you leave care at 18 or later, unless you were in care less than 6 months. Ask your caseworker.14

Leaving prison

Ask your facility about Social Security's prerelease agreement. Prison and parole papers alone don't prove your identity, but they can support another document.13 7

You've hit the limit

Ask a government social services agency for a referral letter saying you need the card to get benefits or services. That's the hardship example in the rule.8

Stuck on a step? You don't have to do this alone.

Call or text, and we'll help you find the right office and what to bring. Someone on our team can step in whenever youwhat to bring, with a real person on our team whenever you need one.apos;d like. Or become a RISING MEMBER: a mentor who's been there helps you build a plan, step by step. You do the work; we walk with you.

Call or text 888-860-RISE Become a RISING MEMBER ID help near you

Questions people ask

Does it cost anything to replace a Social Security card?

No. It's free. Private companies that charge to do it offer no advantage, and you still have to give your documents to Social Security yourself.

Can I replace my card online?

Anyone can start online at ssa.gov, even without a my Social Security account, and most adult U.S. citizens can finish there. If you can't finish online, you can schedule an office visit.

Can I get my card the same day at the office?

No. A local office can't print one for you. The card comes by mail, usually in about two weeks.

What ID do I need if I don't have a license?

Social Security may accept an employee ID, school ID, health insurance card (not Medicare) or military ID. Documents must be originals or certified copies, and not expired.

I've already replaced my card 3 times this year. What now?

Ask a government social services agency for a referral letter saying you need the card to get benefits or services. Social Security can make an exception for significant hardship.

Can a survivor of abuse get a new Social Security number?

Yes, with evidence of abuse, by applying in person. Change your name first if you plan to. Your old records stay linked to your old number.

Keep going: more first-step guides

Sources

Official pages, read in October 2026. Rules change. If something here looks out of date, please let us know at hello@riseaid.org and we'll fix it.

1.Social Security Administration. Replace Social Security card
2.Social Security Administration (September 2026). If you need a replacement Social Security card, apply online
3.Social Security Administration. What does it cost to get a Social Security card?
4.Social Security Administration. U.S. citizen adult: replacement Social Security card (publication 05-10512, April 2026)
5.Social Security Administration. Learn what documents you will need to get a Social Security card
6.Social Security Administration (POMS RM 10210.420). Evidence of identity for a Social Security card
7.Social Security Administration (POMS RM 10210.430). Documents not acceptable as evidence of identity on their own
8.Code of Federal Regulations, 20 CFR 422.103. Social Security numbers: replacement card limits and exceptions
9.Social Security Administration (POMS RM 10205.400). Limits on replacement SSN cards
10.Social Security Administration. Your Social Security Number and Card (publication 05-10002)
11.Social Security Administration. New Social Security numbers for domestic violence victims (publication 05-10093)
12.Social Security Administration. Requesting a new number
13.Social Security Administration. Reentry: prerelease agreements
14.U.S. Code (GovInfo). 42 U.S.C. § 675(5)(I): documents for youth leaving foster care