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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Denise M.
I recently filed for Social Security and they processed it wrong. I have tried for 3 days by going online and by calling their main phone number and calling the offices near me. I have waited on hold for over an hour several times. Most of the time though they cut me off and hang up on me after 45 minutes. This is soooo horrible. Can’t make an appointment online . Can’t make an appointment by phone and can’t go in to any office now and make an appointment. And yes I actually tried that too. Waiting over 2 hours until everyone else left mad and I finally got my number called and they still turned me away and said go home and call the main phone line that nobody ever answers. Oh and by the ways the people working in the office near me are absolutely the rudest unprofessional people I’ve ever met! Shame on the government for letting it get to this!
Lillie v.
How to set an appointment to get a replacement statement.
Elizabeth C.
I need to make an appointment. I’ve been trying for days.
linda p.
cant get thru to make an appointment…..
they canceled my medicare need it !!!!
Anita M.
I need to make an appointment it’s urgent I waS there2 13 35
Kaitlin
ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE WAIT TIME ITS ABSURD!! It should not take 2 hours for someone to answer the phone and why are you doing it by appointment only when you can’t ever get anyone on the phone!!
T.Y.
Thank you for reading our blog, Kaitlin. 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.
M. L.
Hi SSA Team!
May I ask how can I make online appointment. I tried to search but theres is no way to make appointments thru online. No answer in phone numbers provided. I want to change my name in the card I recieved last Wednesday. My middle name in the card is wrong. But I already submittes my oneline application abiut change name. Do I still need to go to the office? Or they will update the correctuons and send me new card? Hoping for your positive response
C.B.
Hi M.L.G., thanks for using our blog. We currently do not have an online appointment scheduler. To make an appointment, call us at 1-800-772-1213 or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. Wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter in the morning, later in the week, and later in the month. We hope this information helps.
R. L.
How can you schedule an appointment by phone when NOBODY answer the phone & you’re on hold for over 1-2 hrs or they phone drop. I don’t have an online account for SSA. Also, why isn’t there anything posted on SSA Office in Trenton stating that they don’t do walk in at their Office. I waited for over an hour before the person stated something to everyone about they NO LONGER DO WALK IN. They saw us signing in and taking a number before sitting down
Mrs. L.
I want to report someone who is on social security and working. That’s fraud. Scott A. Grey his address is
11775 Hutcheson Ferry Rd
Palmetto Ga, 30268. Keep me private this human is dangerous. His business is Chatthills Air.
Jane d.
WOW!!!!! NOSEY MUCH??!!?? YOU have nothing better to do than be in someone else’s business LMAO???? MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS. There’s this old saying you’re living in a glasshouse don’t throw no stones, meaning pluck that splinter out your own eye 👁️first. Again, not your business.
T.Y.
Hi, Mrs. Liebert. Thanks for reading our blog and your concern. Social Security takes reports of fraud very seriously. If you suspect a fraud, visit our Office of Inspector General webpage to learn what information you need to submit a report. We hope this information helps.
kmhesaplama
Araba, otobüs, tren ve uçakla iller arası mesafe ve yol tarifini öğrenin! Yakıt tüketimi, yolculuk maliyetinizi hesaplayın ve seyahat planınızı yapın.
Munther Q.
Trying to talk to someone at s s is like trying to talk to GOD
I went to the s s office and the guard gave me a piece of paper with the same information so i accomplished nothing
GOD answered me back. S S didn’t
Great service. Thank you