Replace lost/stolen Social Security card

Replace lost/stolen Social Security card

How to replace a lost/stolen Social Security card. Form SS-5, free. Limited to 3 cards/year, 10 lifetime. Can verify online if Social Security Account exists.

How to apply

Where and how

• Online: ssa.gov/forms (many options)
• By mail: print Form SS-5, send with original documents
• In person: visit local SSA office (recommended for complex cases)

Documents needed

For new SSN (US-born child):

• US birth certificate of child
• Parent’s identity (passport, state ID)
• Parent’s proof of status (USC, LPR, or eligible status)

For replacement:

• Form SS-5 (free at ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf)
• Original ID (passport, state ID, driver license)
• If name changed: change documents

Timing

• Online: 2-3 weeks
• By mail: 4-6 weeks
• In person: same appointment or 2-3 weeks

Cost

FREE — SSA charges no fee.

Resources

• SSA.gov: official portal
• Find office: secure.ssa.gov/ICON
• Form SS-5: ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf

Related information

• What is ITIN vs SSN
• DACA and SSN

Last verified: 2026-05-25.

General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.

Related procedural information

• Consulate of your country in the US — passport renewal, consular ID, document apostille
• ITIN — file federal taxes without SSN — required regardless of immigration status
• USCIS form library — federal immigration forms (I-130, I-485, N-400, etc.)
• Find an immigration attorney — pro bono lists + AILA + BIA-recognized
• Know Your Rights — ICE encounters — constitutional protections

Recent SSA + SSN context (2025-2026)

The Social Security Administration (SSA) issued approximately 5 million new SSN cards in FY 2024 and processed approximately 13 million name-change requests. SSN cards are FREE; the application requires Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card). Processing time: 2-4 weeks for mailed cards in 2025; some Social Security offices issue same-day for emergency situations.

Eligibility: US citizens (newborn through adult), lawful permanent residents (LPRs), non-citizens authorized to work in the US (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc. — with valid work authorization), DACA recipients (with EAD), refugees + asylees, certain non-work SSNs for federal benefit eligibility. The 2023 Inflation Reduction Act expanded SSA staffing — wait times reduced but still significant in some metros.

For SSA office locations: ssa.gov/locator/. For SSN application appointments: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday-Friday 8:00am-7:00pm local time. For SSN replacement: most adults can replace online via my Social Security at ssa.gov/myaccount; some states require in-person visit. The SSN-only card cannot be used as proof of identity for I-9 employment verification — it’s only proof of work authorization.

For SSA employee SSN verification: employers use E-Verify (DHS system) at e-verify.gov + Form I-9. SSA’s SSNVS (Social Security Number Verification Service) is for SSA-only purposes (W-2 wage reporting). The Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) for SSN is 9 digits in XXX-XX-XXXX format. Beware of SSN scams: SSA does NOT call demanding immediate payment; report scams to 1-800-269-0271 (SSA Inspector General).