A Faster and More Convenient Way to Request a Social Security Number and Card
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: January 10, 2025
Do you need an original Social Security number or a replacement Social Security card? We offer a faster and more convenient way for you to start – and possibly finish – the application online.
When you visit our Social Security number and card page, we’ll ask you a few questions to determine the best way for you to apply. You may be able to:
- Complete the application online.
- Start the application online, self-schedule an appointment, then bring any required documents to your local Social Security office or card center to complete the process.
- Schedule an in-office appointment to complete your application. If you are not able to use our online option or you do not get the option to schedule an appointment online, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment at a local office or card center.
By starting the application online, your in-office visit will typically take less time.
Note: We have recently expanded appointment-based services as part of our ongoing efforts to serve you more efficiently. If you need to visit a local Social Security office or card center, please make an appointment.
Finish your application in the office
Before your visit to complete your application, please follow these steps:
- Determine what documents you need to bring with you. They must be originals or certified copies.
- Follow directions at the kiosk when you arrive at the office. Our Mobile Check-in Express makes it easier to check in. To use Mobile Check-in Express, scan the QR code posted near the entrance and turn on your mobile notifications. We’ll alert you when we’re ready to help you.
- Meet with one of our employees who will verify the information you submitted online and review your documents. We don’t need to keep them.
That’s it! Whether you apply for a Social Security card online or at an office, we’ll process the application and mail a card to you, usually within 14 business days.
For more helpful information, watch our videos:
- Your Social Security Number & Card: What You Need to Know.
- Cards for U.S. Citizens – Children.
- Cards for Non-U.S. Citizens – Adults.
Please share this information with your friends and family – and post it on social media.
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Tags: General Information, online services, Social Security card
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Fabio G.
Hello, I am entering the U.S. soon on an L-1 visa and plan to apply for my Social Security Number (SSN). However, I will be leaving the country again about 12 days after my initial entry and re-entering shortly after.
Would it be better to wait until my final re-entry to apply for the SSN, or can I apply during my first entry without issues? I want to ensure that my I-94 record doesn’t cause delays in processing my application.
Thank you for your guidance!
Carrie
I got a form to to feel out on February 15th and it said it has to be at the office on the 17th, but that day SSA will probably be closed so what can I do.
Disna
I don’t understand how I can file for my social security when there’s no available appointments for March. I turn 62 in June n want my benefits to start In July but no appointments until April. So what do I do ! Do I loose my benefits for not being able to file in the correct length of time. Can I walk in the office to set my appointment up ? Can I go to another social security office out of town were they accept walk ins n do it ?
C.B.
Hi, Disna. We have good news! You do not need to visit an office to apply for Social Security benefits. However, for in-person assistance, you must have an appointment. The most convenient way to apply for Social Security retirement benefits is online. If you keep your April appointment and you turn 62 in June and are eligible for benefits, there is still enough time to process your claim without you losing benefits. We hope this information is helpful.
quacy m.
ok tell everyone thank you at social security and snap food for finishing my snap paper for me. so my reverification is done tell them thank you . tell them thank you for all your hard work. everyone involve
Shiv S.
Hi, I am Shiv Shankar Gupta and I have applied for SSN on 22th of Jan 2025. It has be more than 3 weeks but I didnt hear anything from Your side. My reference number is 25022026048. Could You please assit me for the same issue asap?
PETER N.
hi i ned to make an apointment for my local security office on craig and simmons as soon as posible pls my email adresse is peternino592@GMAIL.COM PLS RESPOND
C.B.
Hi, Peter. Thanks for using our blog. We do not schedule appointments from this venue. To make an appointment, please read How to Get Help from Social Security. As a reminder, never post your personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
esther M.
Since 2 days I tried to reach ss just to make an appointment, I tried early morning and afternoon and stay for more than 1hour on the line
Esther G.
Unable to speak with anyone on the phone to make an appointment. Return calls go directly to voicemail on my phone
T.Y.
Hello, Esther. Thank you for reading our blog. We apologize for the call wait times you’ve experienced and understand how frustrating that can be. We are working to improve our wait times and appreciate your patience. In the meantime, please complete our Feedback Form, which will give our team a better understanding of how we can improve our processes. We value your opinion and look forward to hearing from you
Ipek I.
Hello, I applied to SSN (first time) online then got an in-office appointment to submit my documents (I-94 and passport basically). When i went to my appointment, the officer told me that i do not need to submit anything to them, the system has changed recently and they will be seeing my I-94 online (but the application form did not ask me for a passport number so how would that even be possible), i will be receiving my SSN in a month and I should wait. The email i received specifically told I should submit my documents so I was confused. Is this system change true and should I wait for a month or should I get another appointment? Thanks.
C.B.
Hi, Ipek. Thanks for using our blog. There is a system that provides data sharing between agencies. If you do not receive your Social Security number in 30 days, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask a representative for further assistance. We hope this helps.
RS
Trying to sign up for Medicare during the sign up period to avoid lifetime penalties. Started on line and got an error message that says (due to an unexplained reason) applying cannot be done on line. Called the telephone number for assistance. Still on hold after one hour and 47 minutes. Pretty sure no one is ever intending to answer the call or provide assistance. How is it that the old people in this country can’t get even apply for basic government services? I NEED HELP!
C.B.
Hi, RS. Thank you for using our blog and for your comment. We’re sorry to hear of your experience and we understand your frustration while attempting to sign up for Medicare. Our National 800 number is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter in the morning, later in the week, and later in the month. Please complete our Feedback Form, which will give our team a better understanding of how we can improve our processes. We value your opinion and look forward to hearing from you.
Lezi
I wonder why not use an online system to schedule the appointment? I called 1-800-772-1213 and have been put on hold for the whole afternoon, nobody answer the phone at all.
C.B.
Hi, Lezi. Thank you for using our blog. And thanks for your suggestion about scheduling appointments online. You can submit your suggestion by visiting our Contact Us page. Once there, select the “Email Us” link. This will take you to the “Email A Question to our Support Team” form, where you can submit your suggestion. You can also complete our Feedback Form, which will give our team a better understanding of how we can improve our processes. We value your opinion and look forward to hearing from you.