How to Apply for a Social Security Card: Complete Form SS-5 Guide for 2026

Your Social Security Number is one of the most important identifiers you’ll ever have. It’s required for employment, tax filing, opening bank accounts, applying for credit, accessing government benefits, and countless other aspects of financial life in America. If you need to apply for your first Social Security card, replace a lost or stolen one, or update your card after a name change, Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) is the official document you’ll use.

The good news? Applying for a Social Security card is completely free, and the process is more streamlined than ever. Eligible applicants can even apply online and receive their card in as little as 14 business days.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every aspect of Form SS-5 — from gathering the right documents to submitting your application and tracking your card’s arrival.

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What You Need to Know Before Starting

The Three Types of SS-5 Applications

Form SS-5 serves three distinct purposes, and the documents you need vary depending on which applies to you:

1. Original Social Security Card You’ve never had a Social Security Number and need to apply for your first card. This is most common for newborns (though hospitals handle this automatically in most cases) and foreign nationals who recently gained work authorization in the U.S.

2. Replacement Social Security Card You already have a Social Security Number, but your card is lost, stolen, or damaged. This is the most common reason people fill out Form SS-5, and it’s the only type eligible for online application.

3. Corrected Social Security Card You need to change or correct the information on your existing card — typically after a legal name change due to marriage, divorce, or court order.

Important limitation: You’re limited to 3 replacement cards per calendar year and 10 replacement cards in your lifetime. However, cards for legal name changes and original cards do not count toward these limits.

Is the Application Really Free?

Yes, 100%. The Social Security Administration never charges for Social Security cards. If any website or service asks you to pay for an SS-5 form or Social Security card, it’s a scam. Report it to the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General immediately.

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Three Ways to Apply for a Social Security Card

Option 1: Apply Online (Fastest — 14 Business Days)

The SSA’s Internet SSN Replacement Card (iSSNRC) program is the fastest option, but it’s only available for replacement cards under specific conditions.

You can apply online if:

• You’re requesting a replacement card (same name, same SSN)
• You’re a U.S. citizen age 18 or older
• You have a mySocialSecurity account (free to create at ssa.gov/myaccount)
• You have a valid U.S. driver’s license or state ID from a participating state
• You have a U.S. mailing address
• You’re not changing any information on your card

How to apply online:

1. Create or log in to your mySocialSecurity account at ssa.gov/myaccount
2. Navigate to “Replacement Documents” and select “Request a Replacement Card”
3. Verify your identity using your driver’s license or state ID
4. Review and confirm your information
5. Submit your request

Your replacement card typically arrives within 14 business days.

State participation note: As of 2026, most states participate in the online replacement program, but availability varies. The online portal will tell you immediately if your state qualifies.

Option 2: Apply by Mail (2-4 Weeks Processing)

Mail-in applications are available for all SS-5 request types — original cards, replacements, and corrections.

How to apply by mail:

1. Complete Form SS-5 (use our fillable PDF tool at pdf-awesome.com/forms/us/ss5)
2. Gather your original or certified documents (see the Required Documents section below)
3. Mail everything to your local Social Security office (find it at ssa.gov/locator)
4. Wait 2-4 weeks for processing
5. Your card will be mailed to you; documents are returned separately within 2 weeks

Important: Never mail cash or checks. The application is free. Do not send photocopies or notarized copies of documents — only original or agency-certified documents are accepted.

Option 3: Apply In Person (2 Weeks After Visit)

In-person application is required for first-time applicants age 12 and older who have never had a Social Security Number.

How to apply in person:

1. Complete Form SS-5 (do not sign it yet — you’ll sign at the office)
2. Gather your original or certified documents
3. Find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator
4. Visit during business hours (no appointment required, but you can schedule one to reduce wait time)
5. Present your completed SS-5 and documents to the representative
6. Sign the form in front of the SSA employee
7. Your card will be mailed within approximately 2 weeks

Pro tip: Call ahead (1-800-772-1213) to ask about current wait times and whether appointments are recommended for your local office.

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Documents You Need for Form SS-5

The SSA has strict document requirements. All documents must be original or certified by the issuing agency. Notarized copies, uncertified photocopies, and laminated documents are not acceptable.

For an Original Social Security Card

You must provide at least two documents that establish:

• Your age
• Your identity
• Your U.S. citizenship or current lawful work-authorized immigration status

Acceptable documents include:

Requirement	Acceptable Documents
Proof of Age	U.S. birth certificate (preferred), religious record showing birth/baptism, hospital birth record, passport
Proof of Identity	U.S. passport, state driver’s license, state-issued ID card, school ID card, adoption decree, medical record
Proof of Citizenship	U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 or N-570), Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 or N-561)

Special note for children under 12: If applying for a child’s first Social Security card, the SSA can accept more lenient identity documents (school records, clinic records, daycare records) if stronger documents aren’t available.

For non-citizens: You must provide your current U.S. immigration document showing your legal status and work authorization (I-551, I-94, I-766 EAD, I-20, DS-2019, etc.). The SSA will verify your status with the Department of Homeland Security.

For a Replacement Social Security Card (Same Name)

You need one document that proves your identity. Most commonly accepted:

• U.S. driver’s license or state-issued ID card (most common)
• U.S. passport
• State-issued non-driver ID card
• School ID card with photo
• Employee ID card
• U.S. military ID card
• Health insurance card (not a Medicare card)
• Adoption decree

Exception: If you were born outside the United States, you must also provide evidence of U.S. citizenship or current lawful work-authorized status.

For a Name Change (Legal Name Change)

You need:

• One identity document (driver’s license, passport, state ID)
• Legal proof of name change:
  • Marriage certificate (for married name)
  • Divorce decree (for returning to maiden name or legal name change via divorce)
  • Court order for legal name change
  • Certificate of Naturalization showing new name

Key benefit: Name change cards do not count toward the 3-per-year or 10-lifetime replacement limits. You can change your name on your Social Security card as many times as needed with proper legal documentation.

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How to Fill Out Form SS-5: Line-by-Line Instructions

Form SS-5 is two pages, but most applicants only fill out page 1. Here’s exactly what goes where:

Section 1: Your Full Name (Items 1-4)

Item 1 — Name to be shown on card Your full legal name as it should appear on your Social Security card. Use your legal first name, full middle name, and full legal last name. This should match your birth certificate, passport, or court documents exactly.

Item 2 — Full name at birth Only fill this out if it’s different from Item 1. For example, if you’re applying for a name change card after marriage, Item 1 would be your married name; Item 2 would be your maiden name.

Item 3 — Other names you have used List any other names you’ve used on legal documents or employment records — maiden names, previous married names, nicknames, aliases. This helps the SSA match your record and prevents duplicate Social Security Numbers.

Item 4 — Mailing address The address where you want your Social Security card mailed. Use a secure mailing address — Social Security cards are mailed in plain envelopes and can be stolen. P.O. boxes are acceptable.

Section 2: Citizenship & Birth Information (Items 5-6)

Item 5 — Citizenship Check one box:

• U.S. Citizen (born in U.S., naturalized, or born abroad to U.S. citizen parents)
• Legal Alien Allowed to Work (have valid work authorization)
• Legal Alien Not Allowed to Work (only for specific non-work purposes like receiving benefits)
• Foreign Student/Exchange Visitor Allowed to Work (F-1, J-1, or M-1 visa with work authorization)
• Other (consult with SSA for your specific situation)

Item 6A — Date of Birth Month, day, and year of your birth. Use MM/DD/YYYY format.

Item 6B — Place of Birth

• If born in the U.S.: City and state (e.g., “Los Angeles, California”)
• If born outside the U.S.: City and country (e.g., “Toronto, Canada”)

Section 3: Parents’ Information (Items 7-8)

Item 7A — Mother’s name at birth Your mother’s full name at birth, including her maiden last name. This is used to verify your identity and prevent duplicate SSNs.

Item 7B — Mother’s Social Security Number If you know it, provide it. If not, leave it blank. Not knowing your mother’s SSN will not delay your application.

Item 8A — Father’s name Your father’s full legal name (first, middle, last).

Item 8B — Father’s Social Security Number Optional. Provide if known.

Why does the SSA ask for parent information? It helps prevent identity theft and ensures no one else has been issued an SSN using your identity. This is especially important for newborns and children.

Section 4: Previous Social Security Information (Items 9-14)

Item 9 — Sex Male or Female.

Item 10 — Have you or anyone acting on your behalf ever filed for or received a Social Security Number before? Check “Yes” or “No.”

If “Yes,” the SSA will reactivate your previous number rather than issuing a new one. Social Security Numbers are never reissued or reassigned.

Items 11-14 (only if you answered “Yes” to Item 10)

• Item 11: Enter the name shown on your previous Social Security card
• Items 12-14: Provide your previous Social Security Number if you remember it. If not, leave blank.

Item 15 — Daytime phone number Include area code. This allows the SSA to contact you if there are questions about your application.

Item 16 — Today’s date The date you’re completing the form.

Section 5: Signature (Items 17-18)

Item 17 — Your signature

• If you’re age 18 or older, you must sign the form yourself.
• If you’re under age 18, a parent or legal guardian signs here.
• If you’re applying in person at an SSA office, do not sign until you’re in front of the SSA employee.

Item 18 — Relationship (if signed by someone other than applicant) If a parent, guardian, or other representative signed on behalf of a child or incapacitated person, indicate the relationship here (e.g., “Mother,” “Father,” “Legal Guardian”).

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Special Situations: Newborns, Children, and Non-Citizens

Getting a Social Security Card for Your Newborn

Most parents don’t need to fill out Form SS-5 for their newborn. When your baby is born in a hospital, you’ll be asked during the birth certificate process whether you want to apply for a Social Security Number.

Enumeration at Birth (EAB) Program:

• Available at nearly all U.S. hospitals
• The hospital electronically sends birth registration data to the SSA
• The SSA automatically assigns an SSN and mails the card to you
• No Form SS-5 required
• Card typically arrives within 4 weeks of birth
• Both parents do not need to be present or have SSNs for the baby to get one

Why you need an SSN for your baby:

• Required to claim your child as a dependent on your tax return
• Needed to open bank accounts or buy savings bonds for your child
• Required for medical insurance coverage
• May be needed for government services like WIC or Medicaid

If you didn’t apply at the hospital or your baby was born outside a hospital, you can apply anytime using Form SS-5.

Applying for a Child Under Age 12

Good news: children under 12 applying for their first Social Security card do not need to appear in person. A parent or guardian can mail or take the application to a Social Security office on the child’s behalf.

Documents for a child’s first card:

• At least two documents proving the child’s age, identity, and U.S. citizenship
• Common documents: birth certificate (covers age and citizenship), medical records, school records, daycare records, religious records
• Parent must sign Form SS-5 on the child’s behalf

Applying for Ages 12 and Older (First-Time Applicants)

If you’re age 12 or older and applying for your first Social Security Number, you must apply in person at a Social Security office. You cannot apply by mail or online for an original card at this age.

The in-person requirement helps prevent identity theft and ensures the SSA can verify your identity directly.

Non-Citizens and Work Authorization

If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you generally need lawful work authorization to obtain a Social Security Number. However, there are exceptions for certain non-work purposes (receiving government benefits, state/local requirements).

Required documents for non-citizens:

• Current U.S. immigration document showing your status and work authorization:
  • Permanent Resident Card (I-551, “green card”)
  • Employment Authorization Document (I-766 EAD)
  • I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (with work-authorized status code)
  • Machine-Readable Immigrant Visa with temporary I-551 stamp
  • For students: I-20 (F-1 visa) or DS-2019 (J-1 visa) plus work authorization
• One document proving your age
• One document proving your identity

Social Security card legends for non-citizens: Your card may include a legend indicating work restrictions:

• “VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION” — Most common for work-authorized non-citizens
• “NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT” — Issued for non-work purposes only

When you become a U.S. citizen, you can apply for a replacement card without the legend using your Certificate of Naturalization.

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Processing Times and What to Expect

Application Method	Typical Processing Time	Notes
Online (iSSNRC)	14 business days	Only for eligible replacement cards (U.S. citizens 18+ with participating state ID)
By Mail	2-4 weeks processing + 7-10 days mailing	Total 3-6 weeks; documents returned separately
In Person	~2 weeks after visit	Card mailed after in-person verification
Newborn (EAB at hospital)	~4 weeks from birth	Automatic enrollment through hospital

Tracking your application: Unfortunately, the SSA does not provide online application tracking. If you haven’t received your card within the expected timeframe, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to check the status.

What your card looks like:

• Printed on blue-tinted security paper
• Contains your name and 9-digit Social Security Number
• May include a work authorization legend (for non-citizens)
• Is wallet-sized but fragile — many people laminate their cards for protection (lamination does not invalidate the card, despite old rumors)

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Common Mistakes That Delay Applications

1. Sending Photocopies Instead of Originals

The number one cause of rejected applications. The SSA will only accept original documents or documents certified by the issuing agency. This means:

❌ Not acceptable: Photocopies, scanned copies, faxed copies, notarized copies, copies certified by a notary public

✅ Acceptable: Original birth certificate from the state vital records office, certified copy with a raised seal from the issuing agency

2. Incorrect Name Formatting

Your name on Form SS-5 must match your supporting documents exactly. Common errors:

• Using a nickname instead of legal first name
• Omitting or adding middle names inconsistently
• Misspelling your own name
• For name changes: forgetting to list your previous name in Item 2

3. Exceeding Replacement Limits Without Realizing It

If you’ve already received 3 replacement cards in the current calendar year, your application will be denied unless you qualify for an exception (legal name change, non-receipt of card, SSA error, or documented hardship).

4. Applying Online When Not Eligible

Many applicants try to use the online system for original cards or name changes, only to find out it’s replacement-only. Read the eligibility requirements carefully before starting.

5. Providing an Insecure Mailing Address

Social Security cards are mailed in plain envelopes that don’t indicate their contents. If your mailbox is unsecured or you’re concerned about theft, consider:

• Using a P.O. box
• Having it sent to your work address
• Timing your application when you’ll be home to receive mail
• Signing up for USPS Informed Delivery to track when your card arrives

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Security and Protecting Your Social Security Number

Once you receive your Social Security card, treat it as one of your most sensitive documents.

Best practices:

• Memorize your SSN and store the card in a secure location at home (safe, locked file cabinet)
• Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet or purse (risk of loss/theft)
• Never give your SSN to anyone unless absolutely necessary — ask why they need it and how they’ll protect it
• Monitor your credit regularly — unusual activity could indicate SSN theft
• Freeze your credit for free at all three bureaus if you’re not actively applying for credit
• File taxes early to prevent tax refund fraud using your SSN

If your SSN is stolen or compromised:

1. Place a fraud alert or credit freeze at Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
2. Report the theft to the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov
3. Contact the SSA’s fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271
4. File a police report
5. Consider requesting a new Social Security Number (the SSA rarely grants this, only in extreme cases of ongoing harm)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Social Security card on the same day?

No. Even in-person applications take approximately 2 weeks to process. The SSA does not issue cards on the spot. If someone promises same-day service, it’s a scam.

What if I never received my card after applying?

Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. They can verify whether your card was mailed and to what address. If it was lost in the mail, you can request a replacement without it counting toward your limits (you’ll need to provide proof that you applied).

Can I laminate my Social Security card?

Yes, despite persistent myths. Laminating your card does not invalidate it. The SSA has stated that lamination is acceptable. Many people laminate their cards to prevent wear and tear.

Do I need my Social Security card to get a job?

No, you don’t need the physical card. You need to know your Social Security Number and provide it on Form W-4 and Form I-9. However, for I-9 employment verification, you’ll need an identity document (driver’s license) and work authorization document (unrestricted Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport). A List C document (like a Social Security card) is acceptable for I-9, but not required if you provide a List A document like a passport.

How long does a Social Security card last?

Social Security Numbers are permanent and never expire. However, the physical card can wear out. If your card becomes illegible, you can request a free replacement (subject to the 3/year, 10/lifetime limits).

Can I change my name on my Social Security card without a legal name change?

No. You must provide legal documentation of a name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. The SSA will not change your name based on common law usage or personal preference.

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Conclusion

Applying for a Social Security card using Form SS-5 is straightforward once you understand the process, gather the right documents, and choose the application method that fits your situation.

Key takeaways:

• The application is 100% free — never pay anyone for Form SS-5 or a Social Security card
• Online applications (iSSNRC) are the fastest (14 days) but only available for eligible replacement cards
• Mail and in-person applications take 2-4 weeks and are available for all request types
• Original or certified documents are required — no photocopies or notarized copies
• Name change cards don’t count toward replacement limits
• Newborn enrollment at hospitals is automatic in most cases (Enumeration at Birth program)

Ready to apply? Fill out Form SS-5 online using our free, secure fillable PDF tool and download your completed application instantly.

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This guide is for educational purposes and reflects SSA requirements as of February 2026. For personalized assistance, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office.