How to get a Replacement Social Security Card

If you need a replacement Social Security card, we can help. In this post, we will walk you through the fastest way to get a replacement Social Security card, including how to complete the process online?

In addition, we will explain what to do if you do not fall into the category of people who can request one online, including non-citizens.

Finally, we will explain the FAQs how long it takes to receive your replacement card.

"How to get a Replacement Social Security Card"

How to Get a Replacement Social Security Card Online

The fastest way to get a replacement card is online. However, not everyone qualifies to use the online function.

You can request a replacement Social Security card online if you:

  • Are a U.S. citizen age 18 or older;
  • Have a driver’s license or state-issued identification card from one of the
    participating states or the District of Columbia (to see if your state participates, click here.);
  • Have a U.S. mailing address (this includes APO, FPO, and DPO addresses);
  • Have mySocialSecurity account; and
  • Don’t require changes to your name, date of birth, place of birth, and/or gender.

Here’s how to request a replacement Social Security card online:

Step 1 – Sign-in to mySocialSecurity Account

Click here to sign in to your mySocial Security account.

If you need help signing in, see our mysocialsecurity login help article. If you do not have a mySocialSecurity account, see our how to create an account post here.

After signing in to your personal mySocial Security account, select the “Replace Documents” link on the upper right-hand side of the screen.

Next, select the “Request a Replacement Card.” link as shown below.

"Get a Replacement Social Security Card"

Step 2 – Verify Your Email Address

Next, you have to verify your email address to continue with the process.

To verify your email address, select the location where your driver’s license or identification card was issued.

Then you should answer “Yes” or “No” to the background questions; then, select “Next”.

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Step 3 – Verify Your Identity

The next step in the process to getting a replacement social security card is to verify your identity to make sure you are who you say you are.

To do that, enter the information under “Identity Verification” as shown below, including:

  • Your name
  • Social Security Number
  • Date of Birth
  • Driver’s License, or state-issued identification information
  • Address
  • Phone Number

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Step 4 – Request Your Replacement Social Security Card

Once you have successfully verified your identity, you can now request your replacement Social Security card online.

After you are done with this step, click on the “Done” button, as shown below.

Congratulations!!! You have successfully requested a replacement for your Social Security card online.

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How to Get a Replacement Social Security Card in Person

If you are a US Citizen and you are unable to request a replacement Social Security card online, it means the SSA does not have you on file as a U.S Citizen.

Your only option is to request a Social Security replacement card in person.

Here are the categories of people who can request their Social Security cards in person:

  • U.S. Born Citizen
  • Foreign-Born U.S. Citizen
  • Noncitizen

We have provided detailed steps below on how each group listed above can request their replacement Social Security card in person.

You can do so at a local Social Security Office. Click here to find the nearest Social Security Office and follow the steps below.

Replacement Card for U.S Born Citizens

Here are the documents you need to get a replacement Social Security card is you are an adult and a U.S Citizen born in the United States.

Citizenship Documents

If you have not already established your U.S. citizenship with the Social Security Administration, you will need to show proof of U.S. citizenship.

You can prove your U.S citizenship with one of the following documents:

  • A U.S. Birth Certificate
  • U.S. passport

Identity Documents

Next, you have to show proof of identity. An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and must show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph.

Here are documents that are accepted by the Social Security Administration:

  • U.S. driver’s license
  • State-issued non-driver identification card
  • U.S. passport

If you are unable to provide one of the documents listed above, the Social Security Administration may accept one of the following.

However, the document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age), and preferably a recent photograph:

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

We may use one document for two purposes.

For example, you can submit a United States password as proof of both citizenship and identity.

Replacement Card for Foreign-Born U.S. Citizens

Here are the documents you need to get a replacement Social Security card if you are an adult and a Foreign-Born U.S Citizen.

Citizenship Documents

If you have not already established your U.S. citizenship with the Social Security Administration, you will need to show proof of U.S. citizenship.

These are the acceptable documents of US Citizenship for foreign-born U.S citizens.

  • U.S. passport
  • Certificate of Naturalization (N-550/N-570)
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240, CRBA)
  • Certificate of Citizenship (N-560/N-561)
  • Certificate of Report of Birth (DS-1350)

Identity Documents

Next, you have to show proof of identity. An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and must show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph.

Here are documents that are accepted by the Social Security Administration:

  • U.S. driver’s license
  • State-issued non-driver identification card
  • U.S. passport

If you are unable to provide one of the documents listed above, the Social Security Administration may accept one of the following.

However, the document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age), and preferably a recent photograph:

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

We may use one document for two purposes.

For example, you can submit a United States password as proof of both citizenship and identity.

Replacement Card for Non-Citizens

In general, only noncitizens who have permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can apply for a Social Security number.

If you do not have permission to work but need a Social Security number for other purposes, see below.

Documents Needed

You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them.

The Social Security Administration cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies.

Furthermore, all documents must be current (not expired).

Here are the documents you need as a non-citizen to apply for a Social Security card:

Immigration status Documents

To prove your U.S. immigration status, you must show the Social Security Administration your current U.S. immigration document, such as:

  • Form I-551 (Lawful Permanent Resident Card, Machine Readable Immigrant Visa); or
  • I-766 (Employment Authorization Document, EAD, work permit); or
  • I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) or admission stamp in the unexpired foreign passport

Immigration status Documents for Students

If you are an F-1 or M-1 student, you also must show your I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).

Immigration status Documents for Visitors

However, if you are a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor, you must show your DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status).

Documents Proving Work eligibility

Only non-citizens who have permission to work from DHS can apply for a Social Security number.

If you are a foreign worker, you will need to provide an I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) or admission stamp in the unexpired foreign passport showing a class of admission permitting work.

However, some foreign workers must show their I-766 (Employment Authorization Document, EAD, work permit) from DHS.

Work eligibility Documents for Students

If you are an F-1 student and eligible to work on campus, you must provide a letter from your designated school official that:

  • Identifies you;
  • Confirms your current school status; and
  • Identifies your employer and the type of work you are, or will be, doing.

In addition, you will need to show evidence of that employment, such as a recent pay slip or a letter from your employer.

Furthermore, your supervisor must sign and date the letter.

The letter must describe:

  • Your job;
  • Your employment start date;
  • The number of hours you are, or will be, working; and
  • Your supervisor’s name and telephone number.

If you are an F-1 student authorized to work in curricular practical training (CPT), here;s what you should know.

You must provide the SSA your Form I-20 with the employment page completed and signed by your designated school official.

Also, If you are an F-1 student and have a work permit (I-766) from DHS, you must present it.

Furthermore, If you are a J-1 student, student intern, or international visitor, you must provide a letter from your sponsor.

The letter should be on sponsor letterhead with an original signature that authorizes your employment.

If you don’t have Permission to Work

If you do not have permission to work, lawfully admitted noncitizens can get access to many without a Social Security Number.

You do not need a Social Security number for the following services:

  • Conduct business with a bank
  • Register for school
  • Apply for educational tests
  • Obtain private health insurance
  • Apply for school lunch programs or apply for subsidized housing

Furthermore, you cannot get a Social Security number for the sole purpose of obtaining a driver’s license.

Getting Government Benefits or Services

If you do not have permission to work, you may apply for a Social Security number only if:

Federal law requires you to provide your Social Security number to get a particular benefit or service.

In addition, you can apply for a Social Security number if a state or local law requires you to provide your Social Security number to get general assistance benefits for which you already have qualified.

If you need a number to meet these state or local requirements, you must bring us a letter from the government agency.

The letter must be on letterhead stationery and not photocopies will be accepted.

The letter must contain the following:

  • Specifically, identify you as the applicant;
  • Cite the law requiring you to have a Social Security number;
  • Indicate that you meet all the agency’s requirements, except having the number; and
  • Contain an agency contact name and telephone number.

For Tax Purposes

As a non-citizen, if you need a number for tax purposes and you are not authorized to work in the United States, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Visit IRS in person or call the IRS toll-free number, 1-800-TAXFORM (1-800-829-3676).

You will have to complete Form W-7 (Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number).

FAQs about Replacement Social Security Card

Here are the most frequently asked questions about replacement Social Security Card

What happens if I use a Non-Work Social Security Number to Work?

If you are assigned a Social Security number for non-work purposes, you cannot use it to work.

If you use it to work and the Social Security Administration finds out, they will inform the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

How long will my Replacement Social Security card take?

According to the SSA website, it typically takes 10 to 14 business days to receive your replacement card once your request has been processed.

How to Get a Replacement Social Security Card Summary

Here’s the bottom line:

If you are a U.S Citizen and the Social Security Administration has you on file as a U.S Citizen, then you can request a replacement Social Security card online.

That is as long as you don’t require changes to your name, date of birth, place of birth, and/or gender.

All you have to do is log into your mySocialSecurity account and follow the steps outline above.

If the SSA does not have you on file as a US Citizen, then you have to request your replacement card in person at a local Social Security Office.

In addition, if you are a Foreign-Born U.S. Citizen or Noncitizen, you have to request your replacement card in person.

Questions?

We hope this post on how to get a replacement Social Security card was helpful.

If you have further questions about Social Security or Disability benefits, please let us know in the comments section below.

Be sure to check out our other articles on Social Security and Direct Express, including Questions about Second Stimulus CheckSocial Security Stimulus Check UpdateDirect Express Stimulus Check, and Top Questions and Answers on Direct Express. 

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