How to Get, Replace, or Correct a Social Security Card with Ease: Need a first-time Social Security number (SSN) and card for yourself or a newborn, or do you need to replace or correct a card? This plain-language guide walks you through the exact steps, required documents, timelines, special cases (baby at birth, living abroad), limits on replacements, and smart tips to finish the job quickly and without extra cost. Information below was verified against official Social Security Administration and USA.gov .
What this card does — and one key rule
A Social Security card shows your SSN — used for work, taxes, benefits, and certain ID checks. Replacing or correcting a Social Security card is free. In most cases you can request a replacement online or at a local Social Security office, depending on your situation.
1 — Quick decision map (which path fits you)
- First SSN & card for a newborn or adult → follow “first-time” application. Hospitals often can apply for newborns before you leave.
- Replace a lost/stolen card → replacement process (free); check limits.
- Correct information (name, birthdate, citizenship status) → submit documents proving the correct information and legal name change if applicable.
- Living outside the U.S. → apply through the Federal Benefits Unit at the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate.
2 — Documents you’ll need (prepare these first)
Most requests require original documents (or certified copies) proving: identity, age, citizenship or lawful immigration status, and sometimes a supporting form for overseas applicants.
Common items:
- Proof of identity: U.S. driver’s license, state ID, or U.S. passport.
- Proof of U.S. citizenship: U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport (or lawful immigration documents if not a citizen).
- For newborns: hospital birth registration (if applied at birth) or original birth certificate.
- If changing name: legal name-change document (marriage certificate, court order).
See the SSA list and Form SS-5 for full, official acceptable-document lists.
3 — Can you do this online? (fastest option when available)
The SSA has made it easier to start or complete some Social Security card requests online. Whether you can finish online depends on your document type and local office rules. If online is available for your case, you’ll be guided to upload scans and (in many locations) self-schedule a short in-office appointment to show originals. If online is not an option you can start online and then finish in person.
4 — Step-by-step: getting a first SSN & card (adult or newborn)
- Newborn at hospital: Ask the hospital to apply for the baby’s SSN when you provide birth certificate info — the hospital forward method is the fastest. The SSA mails the newborn’s card to you.
- If not at hospital: Complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) — you can start online or get the form at SSA offices — gather required originals and submit them per SSA instructions.
- If abroad: Contact the Federal Benefits Unit at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. They’ll tell you which documents to bring and how to submit the application.
5 — Step-by-step: replace or correct an existing card
- Check limits: Law limits the number of replacement cards you can get — normally a small number of replacements are allowed per year; check SSA guidance for exceptions. (Examples and formal limits are in SSA publications and Form SS-5 instructions.)
- Gather ID and supporting documents that show the change you want (e.g., marriage certificate for name changes).
- Start online if available or bring Form SS-5 and originals to your local Social Security office or Card Center; follow any appointment scheduling steps.
- Finish in person if requested — SSA will verify originals, accept the application, and mail the new card. Replacements are free.
6 — Timing & what to expect
- If you apply at birth via hospital, expect the SSA to mail the child’s card after the state sends birth-record data — timelines vary by state but hospitals often speed the process.
- For adult first-time or replacement cards, processing depends on how you apply and whether SSA needs to verify documents; online starts or scheduled in-office verifications tend to be quicker. Expect mail delivery after verification.
7 — Special situations & tips (avoid delays)
- If you live overseas: contact the Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) at the U.S. embassy/consulate before you go — FBUs handle SSN/card requests and can tell you exact required documents.
- If you legally changed your name: bring the marriage certificate, court decree, or other legal proof showing the change. SSA sometimes requires you to show identity in both old and new names.
- Lost card? Don’t carry your card routinely — request a replacement only when you need it. Replacements are free and limited by law.
- Beware of scammers: SSA services are free; do not pay anyone to file a standard replacement or new-card application for you. Use official SSA pages or your local SSA office.
8 — Printable checklist (one page)
- Decide which application: first SSN (adult/newborn), replacement, or correction.
- Gather originals: photo ID, birth certificate, immigration docs (if needed), proof of name change.
- Start the online option (if offered) or download/print Form SS-5 and locate your local SSA office.
- Self-schedule an SSA appointment (if prompted) or call 1-800-772-1213 for help.
- Bring originals to the appointment or mail per SSA instructions (overseas applicants use FBU).
- Save the receipt/confirmation and expect mail delivery of the card after verification.
9 — FAQ (short answers)
Q: Is there a fee to get or replace a Social Security card?
A: No — SSA issues and replaces Social Security cards free of charge.
Q: How many replacement cards can I get?
A: The SSA sets limits on replacements (check official guidance and Form SS-5 instructions for current limits and exemptions). If you have special circumstances, the SSA explains exceptions.
Q: How do I get a card for a baby born overseas?
A: Contact the Federal Benefits Unit at the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate for the process and required documents.
Disclaimer
This guide is informational only and not legal advice. Program rules, document requirements, and processing procedures change over time — always confirm instructions and accepted documents with official Social Security Administration resources or USA.gov before applying. The SSA pages and forms cited below were used to verify the steps and documents listed above. Images used in this article are royalty‑free or licensed for commercial use and are provided here for illustrative purposes.
Helpful official links (click to start your application or download forms)
- USA.gov — How to get, replace, or correct a Social Security card: https://www.usa.gov/social-security-card. (USAGov)
- SSA — Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5, PDF): https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf. (Social Security)
- SSA — Social Security Numbers for Children (guidance for newborns): https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10023.pdf. (Social Security)
- SSA — How to get a card while living outside the U.S. (Federal Benefits Unit info): https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/. (Social Security)
- SSA — “Your Social Security Number and Card” pamphlet (what documents you need): https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10002.pdf. (Social Security)