How to Get a New Social Security Card

If you’re wondering “How do I get a new social security card?”, you’ve landed in the right place! Whether your card has been lost, damaged, destroyed, or stolen, you can easily apply for a new social security card using the Social Security Administration’s standard application. Excitingly, you won’t incur any fees for this.

However, before you get to the actual application, you’ll first need to round up the necessary documents for your new card. For an adult, you’ll need to prove citizenship through a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Naturalization Certificate. You’ll also be required to provide documentation for proof of identity, such as a U.S. driver’s license, U.S. state-issued non-driver identity card, or a U.S. passport. If these options for proof of identity are unavailable to you, consider another official document such as a health insurance card, school ID card or U.S. military ID.

If you are applying for a child, know that you will need all of the above for your identity, as well as such documentation for the child. If you are applying as or for a non-citizen, immigration documentation in the form of Form I-551, I-94 will be required.

Once you have these documents handy, download the application by visiting this link and print it on standard white letter-size paper. Complete all sections of the application in blue or black ink in clear handwriting. Remember that information on race and ethnicity in section 7 is completely voluntary. What’s more, in section 16, it’s best to use an address where your social security card can be sent in approximately 7-14 days. Finally, don’t forget to actually sign your completed application.

Submit your completed application and supplementary documentation to your local Social Security Office. It’s critical to note that you should not mail the application to the Social Security Administration headquarters, but rather use this link to identify the office responsible for assisting your geographic region.