Replacing a Social Security card

What to know

1. Ask whether you need the card. In most cases a physical card isn't necessary if you know your number. Source: SSA¹
2. Set up a my Social Security account. You sign in through Login.gov (email, government photo ID and phone) or ID.me (email, photo ID and a device with a camera). The account lets you request a replacement card. Source: SSA³
3. Start the replacement online; it's the fastest way. If your situation can't be handled online, make an appointment at a local office. Your local office can't print a card for you. Source: SSA¹
4. Gather originals if you have to go in. Proof of identity must be a current U.S. driver's license, state non-driver ID or U.S. passport. If you don't have one and can't get one within 10 days, SSA may accept a current school ID, employee ID, health insurance card (not Medicare) or military ID. Source: SSA²
5. Know the document rules: originals or copies certified by the issuing agency only. No photocopies, no notarized copies, nothing expired, and no receipt showing you applied for a document. One document, like a passport, can prove both citizenship and identity. Source: SSA²
6. Watch your mail. The card arrives in 5 to 10 business days after SSA completes your request. Source: SSA¹
7. Keep the card in a safe place, and shred papers with your number before tossing them. Before giving your number to a doctor's office, school or business, ask why they need it and whether the last four digits will do. The IRS, your bank and your employer do need it, but they won't call, email or text to ask for it. Source: FTC⁸

Need help by phone?

SSA: 1-800-772-1213, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in most U.S. time zones (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Say you want a replacement Social Security card. Source: SSA¹

Spot an SSA scam

• They pretend to be SSA or its Inspector General, sometimes using a real employee's name or sending a photo of a badge. Real federal employees never send badge photos to demand payment. Source: SSA⁷
• They claim a problem, like your number being "suspended," and threaten arrest or seizing your bank account. Source: SSA⁷
• They pressure you to act now and demand secrecy. Source: SSA⁷
• They want gift cards, prepaid cards, crypto, wires, gold or cash, or tell you to move money to a "protected" account. Source: SSA⁷
• Another company or agency can't transfer your call directly to SSA. If they say they can, it's a scam. Source: SSA⁷

If it doesn't work

• Number stolen or exposed? Report it to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov; SSA isn't involved in that process. Source: SSA⁴ Then see Freezing your credit.
• Changed your name? You update it by requesting a replacement card, and it keeps the same number. Source: SSA⁵ Bring proof like a marriage document, divorce decree or court order. If you don't tell SSA, your wages may not post correctly to your record and your taxes can be delayed. Tell your employer too. Source: SSA²
• Got a call from "SSA" that made you feel rushed or scared? Pause, hang up and don't click any links. Source: SSA⁷ Report it at the link on SSA's scam page.