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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Tags: General Information, online services, Social Security card
See CommentsAbout the Author
Comments
Leave a Comment
Please review our Comment Policy before leaving a comment. For your safety, please do not post Personally Identifiable Information (such as your Social Security Number, address, phone number, email address, bank account number, or birthdate) on our blog.
John
My grandson needs a copy of his SS card.
He is 23 years old but his mother is very controlling. He has never had a job. Never had a official ID of any kind. He does have his birth certificate.
Social Security says he needs a State issued ID to get a copy of his Social Security card.
State of Virginia says he needs his Social Security card to get a state ID.
Social Security says get ID first
State says get SS card first.
Neither side will try to help him.
There has to be a way to fix this.
I’m thinking because he already has his SS number they should be able to print him out a copy. What should we do next?
Tammy
You can go to your local hospital and go to medical records a get a medical film from them verifying who u r and that works they stamp it and seal it for you. My daughter had to do the same thing
Norma
What information do you need from my naturalization certificate to update your record for my citizenship status?
Why is US passport not acceptable?
Mallory
Hi! My mother passed away last month and my sisters and I have been taking turns for over a month calling 1-800-772-1213 to try and notify you of my mom’s death. She donated her body to science, so there is no funeral home to help us with SSA. We have each waited on hold over 2hrs each time we called, and none of us have been able to get through. I looked to see how I could make an appointment with our local SS office, but I have to call the same number to make an appointment. Is there another way to notify SSA of a loved one’s passing? We did close her bank account so your payments can’t go through. We don’t know what else to do.
Sandy G.
I’ve been trying to call the office of Danbury Social Security in Danbury Connecticut for an appointment to get my benefits paper for this year for my Social Security Disability. I need it right away. Because I am moving soon out to San Diego California.
C.B.
Hi, Sandy. Thanks for reading our blog. If you are receiving Social Security benefits, you can print your benefit verification letter by using your personal my Social Security account. You can also use our automated telephone service by calling 1-800-772-1213. The service is available 24/7. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a benefit verification. For more information about other automated services, visit Using Our Automated Telephone Services. For more information, check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this information is helpful.
David S.
Checking my history of social security I noticed the years 2014 – 2018 and 2021 – 2023 has not dollar amounts. I am concerned that I am not getting benefits for these years even though I worked. What do I do to get these updated?
T.Y.
Hello, David. Thank you for reading our blog and for your question. If you need to correct your earnings record you will need to contact your local Social Security office. You will need to submit evidence of your missing earnings, such as W-2s, paystubs, or tax returns. Please check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more information. We hope this information is helpful.
Lovita S.
I need a copy of my social security card. The name on my social security card us different.
C.B.
Hi, Lovita. Thanks for reading our blog. To change your name on your Social Security card, you have to show us evidence of your legal name change by showing us documentation of your old and new names. If the document you provide as evidence of a legal name change does not give us enough information to identify you in our records, you must show us an identity document in your old name (as shown in our records). Visit Change name with Social Security | SSA for more information. We hope this helps.
WM
Hello, my husband applied in November for social security to start after his 70th birthday in January. He did not receive it. He went to the Norwood office and they said they couldn’t help and gave him a name and a number to call. He’s called 4 times and left messages and she doesn’t respond. The automatic telephone number says it’s “pending”, but it’s now nearly 2 months late. Please provide a suggestion of what to do next. Thank you.
S.S.
Hi, WM. For security reasons, we do not have access to personal information in this venue. Please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to discuss your situation. Our National 800 number is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Keep in mind, 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 helps.
Linda C.
I need my card replaced and immediate proof of my # for immediate help I’m seeking. My lawyer is requesting this and can’t proceed until he has it. If I go online, how will I provide the proof???? This is urgent! 😭
C.B.
Hi, Linda. Thanks for reading our blog and for your question. You may be able to apply for a replacement Social Security card online at Social Security number & card | SSA and print the proof you need. We hope this helps.
Anna
I’m Collin a week to make an appointment with an agent and it impossible to get someone to to speak or to come me back
Paul H.
You have to call early like 8am in the morning an the wait time is like 45 minutes to a hr
Jeremiah R.
Im trying to fill out the application for my social security card