How To Obtain A New Social Security Card

To get a social security card, you will need to provide the proper documentation and fill out an application. Once completed you will need to either mail in your application or visit your local Social Security office to turn in your application in-person. To find a location near you, try our Social Security Office locator. Below, we list the documents you will need to obtain a new card for an adult and for a child. You will also need to download their application and fill it out and turn it in along with the required documents. To download the new SS card application, click here.

Please note, all documents listed must be original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. They will not be able to accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current and not expired. They cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.

How long will it take to get a Social Security card?

They will mail your Social Security card as soon as they have all of the necessary information listed below. For Form I-765 they will issue your card as soon as the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves your employment authorization. Generally, you will get your card within 10-14 business days from the date your application is processed.

Once you do receive your new card please do not laminate it. 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.

Requesting a new Social Security card for adults

Below is a list of original documents you need to provide when applying for a new social security card for adults. If you have any questions or issues about applying for a new social security card, then they recommend you contact your local Social Security office for assistance.

Citizenship

They can only accept certain documents as proof of US citizenship. These include a US birth certificate or a US passport.

Age

You must present your birth certificate. If one exists, you must submit it. If a birth certificate does not exist, they may instead accept the following:

• Religious record made before the age of 5 showing your date of birth
• US hospital record of your birth
• US passport

Anyone age 12 or older requesting an original Social Security number must appear in person for an interview. They will ask for evidence to show you don't have a Social Security number. Here are examples of documents you can use to prove a Social Security number was never assigned:

• If you lived outside the US for an extended period, a current or previous passport, school and/or employment records, and any other record that would show long-term residence outside the US could be used to show you do not have a Social Security number
• If you have lived in the US and you are applying for an original Social Security number, they may ask you for information about the schools you attended or ask you to provide copies of tax records that would show you were never assigned a Social Security number

Identity

They can accept only certain documents as proof of identity. An acceptable document must be current, not exported and show your name, identifying information (such as date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph. For example, as proof of identity Social Security must see your:

• US driver's license
• State-issued non-driver identification card
• US passport

If you do not have one of these specific documents or you cannot get a replacement for one of them within 10 days, they will ask to see other documents. Any documents submitted, including the following, must be current, not expired and show your name, identifying information (such as date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph:

• Employee identification card
• School identification card
• Health insurance card, not including a Medicare card
• US military identification card

Please note, they may use one document for two purposes. For example, they may use your US passport as proof of both citizenship and identity. However, you must provide at least two separate documents.

Requesting a new Social Security card for children

Below is a list of original documents you need to provide when applying for a new social security card for a child. If you have any questions or issues about applying for a new social security card, then they recommend you contact your local Social Security office for assistance.

Citizenship

They will only accept certain documents as proof of US citizenship. These include a US birth certificate or US passport.

Age

If your child has or can obtain a US state issued birth certificate that recorded his or her birth before age 5, you must submit it. If not, they can consider other documents, such as your child's passport, to prove his or her age.

Anyone age 12 or older requesting an original Social Security number must appear in person for an interview. At the interview they will ask for evidence to show that your child does not have a Social Security number. Here are examples of documents you can use to prove a Social Security number was never assigned:

• If your child lived outside the US for an extended period, a current or previous passport, school and/or employment records, and any other record that would show long-term residence outside the US could be used to show that your child does not have a Social Security number
• If your child has lived in the US and is applying for an original Social Security number, they may ask you for information about the schools your child attended or ask you to provide copies of tax records that would show that your child was never assigned a Social Security number

Identity

Your child: While you can use a birth certificate to prove age or citizenship, you cannot use it as proof of identity. Social Security needs evidence that shows the child continues to exist beyond the date of birth.

They can only accept certain documents as proof of your child's identity. An acceptable document must show your child's name, identifying information and preferably a recent photograph. They generally can accept a non-photo identity document if it has enough information to identify the child. They prefer to see the child's US passport. If that document is not available, they may then accept the child's:

• State issued non-driver's identification card
• Adoption decree
• Doctor, clinic or hospital record
• Religious record
• School daycare center record
• School identification card

You: Also, they must see proof of your identity. An acceptable document must be current, not expired and show your name, identifying information and preferably a recent photograph. For example, as proof of identity Social Security must see your:

• US driver's license
• State issued non-driver identification card
• US passport

If you do not have one of these specific documents or you cannot get a replacement for one of them within 10 days, they will ask to see other documents. Any documents submitted, including the following, must be current, not expired and show your name, identifying information and preferably a recent photograph:

• Employee identification card
• School identification card
• Health insurance card and it cannot be a Medicare card
• US military identification card

Please note, they may use one document for two purposes. For example, they may use your US passport as proof of both citizenship and identity. However, you must provide at least two separate documents.