Replacing a Social Security card

Summary

A replacement card is free. Start online (fastest); otherwise make an appointment at a local office. The card arrives by mail in 5–10 business days. You often do not need the physical card if you know your number.

General information, not legal advice. Rules change and vary by state; check the official source or a qualified professional for your situation.

Facts

id: F1 claim: A replacement Social Security card is free. confidence: medium date: 2026-10-14 sources: [S1] license: CC BY 4.0
id: F2 claim: Some people can apply online; others need an appointment at a local Social Security office. confidence: medium date: 2026-10-14 sources: [S1] license: CC BY 4.0
id: F3 claim: Starting online is the fastest way; local offices cannot print a card on the spot. confidence: medium date: 2026-10-14 sources: [S1] license: CC BY 4.0
id: F4 claim: The card arrives by mail 5 to 10 business days after the request is completed. confidence: medium date: 2026-10-14 sources: [S1] license: CC BY 4.0
id: F5 claim: In most cases a physical card is not needed if you know your number. confidence: medium date: 2026-10-14 sources: [S1] license: CC BY 4.0
id: F6 claim: SSA phone line: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), weekdays 8 a.m.–7 p.m. confidence: medium date: 2026-10-14 sources: [S1] license: CC BY 4.0

Pointers

answers: Full official guidance beyond this summary where: https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/replace-card access: open, no account

Source: https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/replace-card · License: CC-BY-4.0 · Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Source: Social Security Administration, \"Replace Social Security card\" (public domain (US government work)).

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