How many replacement Social Security cards can I get?

You are limited to 3 replacement cards per calendar year and 10 replacement cards in your lifetime. These limits do not apply to original cards, cards for legal name changes (first or last name), or cards issued before December 17, 2005. If you reach the limit, you can still get a replacement if you legally change your name.

2026 Latest Version

Form SS-5: Application for a Social Security Card

Apply for your Social Security card online in 2026. Original, replacement, or name change — complete your SSN application in minutes and download instantly.

SSA Compliant

256-bit Encryption

Free Application

This website is not affiliated with any government agency or tax authority. Please verify this is the current version before use.

What is Form SS-5?

The official application for Social Security cards

Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) is the official Social Security Administration form used to apply for an original Social Security Number, request a replacement card, or update information on your Social Security record. Every U.S. citizen and authorized foreign worker needs a Social Security Number — it's used for employment, tax filing, government benefits, credit applications, and nearly every aspect of financial life in America.

The application is completely free — the SSA never charges for Social Security cards. You can apply online (if eligible), by mail, or in person at a local Social Security office. Most applications are processed within 2–4 weeks, with online applications typically completed in about 14 business days. For a step-by-step walkthrough of the entire process, see our complete SS-5 application guide.

Important: You are limited to 3 replacement Social Security cards per calendar year and 10 replacement cards in your lifetime (applies to cards issued after December 17, 2005). Cards issued for legal name changes (marriage, divorce, court order) and changes to the work authorization legend do not count toward these limits. See the official SSA number-card page for current policy.

Three Ways to Use Form SS-5

Original card, replacement, or correction

Original Social Security Card

If you've never had a Social Security Number, use Form SS-5 to apply for your first card. You'll need at least two documents proving age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or lawful work authorization. If you're age 12 or older, you must apply in person.

Replacement Card (Lost/Stolen)

If your Social Security card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a free replacement. You need one identity document — typically a driver's license or state ID. If eligible, you can apply online through the SSA's iSSNRC system (fastest option).

Corrected Card (Name Change/Error)

If you legally changed your name (marriage, divorce, court order) or need to fix an error on your card, use Form SS-5 to request a corrected card. Provide identity documents and legal proof of the change. Name change cards don't count toward the 3/year or 10/lifetime limits.

How to Apply for a Social Security Card

Three application methods to choose from

Apply Online (Fastest)

Processing time: 14 business days

Only for replacement cards (same name)
Must be U.S. citizen age 18 or older
Need mySocialSecurity account
Valid driver's license or state ID from participating state
Apply at ssa.gov/number-card

Apply by Mail

Processing time: 2-4 weeks (plus mailing time)

Available for all application types
Complete Form SS-5 (use our fillable PDF)
Include original or certified documents
Mail to your local Social Security office
Documents returned within 2 weeks of processing

Apply In Person

Processing time: ~2 weeks after visit

Required for first-time applicants age 12+
Bring completed Form SS-5
Bring original or certified documents
Find your local office at ssa.gov/locator
No appointment needed (but may reduce wait time)

Documents You Need for Form SS-5

Proof of age, identity, and citizenship

For an Original Card

At least two documents required

Proof of Age: U.S. birth certificate (preferred), religious record, hospital birth record
Proof of Identity: U.S. passport, driver's license, state ID, school record, medical record
Proof of Citizenship: Birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship

For a Replacement Card

One document required (same name)

U.S. Driver's License (most common)
State-issued ID card
U.S. Passport
If born outside U.S.: also need proof of citizenship or lawful work authorization

For a Name Change

Identity + legal proof of change

Identity document (driver's license, passport, state ID)
Marriage certificate (for married name)
Divorce decree (returning to maiden name)
Court order (legal name change)

Document Requirements

All documents must meet these criteria

Must be original or certified by issuing agency
No photocopies accepted
No notarized copies accepted
SSA returns all documents within 2 weeks
Don't mail cash or checks (application is free)

How to Fill Out Form SS-5

Line-by-line instructions

Your Name (Items 1-4)

Item 1: Full legal name (first, middle, last) as it should appear on your card
Item 2: Full legal name at birth (if different from Item 1)
Item 3: Other names used (maiden name, previous married name, nicknames on records)
Item 4: Mailing address where your card should be sent

Tip: For name changes, Item 1 is your NEW name; Item 2 is your birth name.

Citizenship & Date/Place of Birth (Items 5-7)

Item 5: U.S. citizenship status — check one box (U.S. citizen, Legal Alien Allowed to Work, Legal Alien Not Allowed to Work, Foreign Student/Exchange Visitor, Other)
Item 6A: Your date of birth (month, day, year)
Item 6B: Place of birth (city, state if U.S.; city, foreign country if born abroad)

Note: If you weren't born in the U.S., you'll need extra documents proving citizenship or work authorization.

Parents' Information (Items 7-8)

Item 7A: Mother's full name at birth (first, middle, maiden last name)
Item 7B: Mother's Social Security Number (if known; not required)
Item 8A: Father's full name (first, middle, last name)
Item 8B: Father's Social Security Number (if known; not required)

Why? This helps SSA match your record and prevents duplicate SSNs. Not knowing a parent's SSN won't delay your application.

Application Details (Items 9-16)

Item 9: Your sex (Male or Female)
Item 10: Have you or anyone acting on your behalf ever filed for or received a Social Security Number before? (Yes/No)
Item 11-14: If "Yes" to Item 10, provide the name on the previous card and SSN (if remembered)
Item 15: Your daytime phone number
Item 16: Today's date

Important: If you had a previous SSN, the SSA will reactivate that number — you don't get a new one.

Sign and Submit (Item 17-18)

Item 17: Your signature (if age 18+), or parent/legal guardian signature (if under 18)
Item 18: Relationship to applicant (if someone else signed on behalf of a minor)
Attach required documents (originals or certified copies)
Mail to your local SSA office, apply online if eligible, or take to an SSA office in person

Do not sign if applying online — you'll sign electronically during the online process.

SS-5 Field-by-Field Reference (Items 1–18)

What every box on the form means — and common mistakes to avoid

For a full narrative walkthrough, read our complete SS-5 guide. The table below is the quick-reference version.

Item	Field	What to Enter	Common Mistake
1	Name to appear on card	Your full legal name (first, middle, last) exactly as you want it printed	Using a nickname or abbreviation instead of legal name
2	Full name at birth	Birth surname (maiden name) if different from Item 1; leave blank if same	Leaving blank after a legal name change — the SSA needs this for record matching
3	Other names used	Any prior legal names, maiden names, or names used on prior tax/medical records	Omitting a former married name that appears on other SSA records
4	Mailing address	Current address where SSA should mail your card	Using a PO Box without a street address backup — the SSA mails via USPS
5	Citizenship / immigration status	Check one: U.S. Citizen; Legal Alien Allowed to Work; Legal Alien Not Allowed to Work; Other (e.g., foreign student)	Checking "U.S. Citizen" if born abroad and not yet naturalized
6A	Date of birth	Month / Day / Year in numeric format (e.g., 03/15/1990)	Using two-digit year — use four digits to avoid ambiguity
6B	Place of birth	City and state (U.S. birth) or city and country (foreign birth)	Listing county instead of state; county is not required
7A	Mother's name at birth	Mother's full first, middle, and maiden last name	Using mother's married last name instead of birth (maiden) last name
7B	Mother's SSN	Mother's Social Security Number if known; "Unknown" if not	Leaving blank — write "Unknown" to avoid processing delays
8A	Father's name	Father's full first, middle, and last name	Leaving blank if father is unknown — write "Unknown"
8B	Father's SSN	Father's Social Security Number if known; "Unknown" if not	Same as 7B — avoid a blank field
9	Sex	Check Male or Female (reflects your sex as documented on your identity documents)	Mismatch with supporting ID documents, which can trigger a Request for Evidence
10	Previous SSN application	Check Yes or No — have you or anyone acting for you ever applied for an SSN before?	Checking No when a prior application exists; SSA will detect the duplicate
11–14	Prior card details	If Item 10 is Yes: name on prior card, prior SSN (if known), date of prior application	Leaving Items 11–14 blank when Item 10 is Yes slows processing
15	Daytime phone	A phone number where SSA can reach you if they have questions	Providing a number you rarely answer — SSA may contact you to resolve issues
16	Today's date	Date you are signing and submitting the form	Pre-dating or leaving blank
17	Signature	Applicant's signature (age 18+) or parent/guardian signature (minor). If applying online, sign electronically during the online process — do not sign the paper form.	Signing when submitting online (electronic signature required; paper signature will be ignored)
18	Relationship to applicant	Only complete if you signed on behalf of someone else (e.g., "Parent," "Legal Guardian," "Self")	Leaving blank when a parent signs for a minor child

Special Situations

Newborns, children, and non-citizens

Social Security Card for Newborns

Most hospitals participate in the Enumeration at Birth (EAB) program. When you provide birth certificate information, you'll be asked if you want a Social Security Number for your baby. The hospital electronically sends the data to SSA, which assigns an SSN and mails the card to you — typically within 4 weeks. No separate Form SS-5 is needed.

Children Under Age 12

If your child never received a Social Security Number at birth (or if you didn't apply at the hospital), you can apply using Form SS-5 anytime. Children under age 12 can apply by mail — you don't need to bring them to a Social Security office. A parent or guardian must sign the application.

Non-Citizens and Work Authorization

If you're not a U.S. citizen, you need lawful work authorization to get a Social Security Number. Provide your current U.S. immigration document (I-551, I-94, I-766, I-20, DS-2019, etc.) along with Form SS-5. The SSA verifies your status with the Department of Homeland Security. Cards for non-citizens may include a legend like "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION."

Adopted Children and Foster Care

If you're adopting a child, the child may already have a Social Security Number. Contact SSA to verify. If not, apply using Form SS-5 with adoption papers or court documents. For foster children, the foster parent can apply if authorized by the state or county child welfare agency — bring proof of your legal authority to act on behalf of the child.

Replacement Card Limits: How Many Cards Can You Get?

Annual and lifetime limits — and the exceptions that matter

The Social Security Protection Act of 2004 established replacement card limits for cards issued on or after December 17, 2005. If your original card was issued before that date, the SSA still tracks replacements going forward from that date.

Standard Limits

3 replacement cards per calendar year
10 replacement cards in a lifetime
Limits apply to cards with the same name and same SSN
The SSA tracks these automatically — you cannot "reset" the count

Cards That Do NOT Count Toward Limits

Your original Social Security card (first-time issuance)
Cards issued after a legal name change (marriage, divorce, court order) — first or last name
Cards where the work authorization legend is removed or added
Cards correcting an SSA administrative error

Hit your limit? If you have reached 3 replacements in a calendar year, you must wait until January 1 to apply again, unless you qualify for an exception (name change, administrative error, etc.). If you have reached 10 lifetime replacements, only an exception will allow a new card. Contact the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to discuss your situation. Always verify current limits at ssa.gov/number-card.

Online Application Eligibility: Who Can Use iSSNRC?

The SSA's Internet SSN Replacement Card system — and which states participate

The SSA's Internet Social Security Number Replacement Card (iSSNRC) system lets eligible people request a replacement card entirely online — no mail, no office visit. It is the fastest option when you qualify.

You Must Meet ALL of These

U.S. citizen
Age 18 or older
Requesting a replacement only (same name, no corrections)
Have a mySocialSecurity account at ssa.gov/myaccount
Valid driver's license or state-issued ID from a participating state
U.S. mailing address on file
Have not already received a replacement card online in the same year (SSA limits online requests)

State Participation

Not all states allow ID verification for online SSN replacement. The SSA maintains the current list of participating states at ssa.gov/number-card. Check there before attempting online — if your state is not listed, you will need to apply by mail or in person.

Generally, states that have adopted REAL ID-compliant licenses and share motor vehicle records with the SSA electronically are eligible. The list expands periodically as more states integrate.

Note: Even if your state participates, the SSA's system verifies your ID electronically against state DMV records. If the verification fails (e.g., your license has an address that doesn't match SSA records), you will be directed to apply by mail or in person.

Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Document Combinations

Avoid rejection — know exactly what the SSA will and will not accept

Always Accepted

U.S. Passport or Passport Card — proves age, identity, AND citizenship in one document
U.S. birth certificate + state driver's license/ID — most common combination for original applications
Certificate of Naturalization (N-550/N-570) — proves citizenship for naturalized citizens
Certificate of Citizenship (N-560/N-561)
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240) — for citizens born overseas
For non-citizens: I-551 (Permanent Resident Card) + foreign passport with I-94

NOT Accepted

Photocopies of any document — originals or certified copies only
Notarized copies — SSA only accepts copies certified by the issuing agency
Expired identity documents (passport, driver's license)
Voter registration cards as sole proof of identity
Social Security card itself as identity proof
Credit or debit cards as identity proof
Documents that appear altered or laminated
Any document with an expiration date that has passed

Documents are returned. The SSA will return all original documents to you within approximately 2 weeks after processing. Do not send irreplaceable items if you can avoid it — use certified copies of birth certificates where possible. Documents sent by mail are returned by first-class mail unless you include a pre-paid trackable envelope.

What Happens if Your Application is Rejected or Delayed?

Understanding SSA requests for evidence — and how to respond

Request for Additional Evidence

If your documents are insufficient, don't match SSA records, or the SSA cannot verify your information electronically (e.g., immigration status pending DHS confirmation), you will receive a written notice requesting additional evidence. The notice will specify exactly what is needed and a deadline to respond. Respond promptly — failure to reply may result in your application being closed.

Application Denial

SSA may deny an application if: you have reached the replacement card limit, the documents provided are unacceptable, you are not authorized to receive an SSN (e.g., immigration status does not permit work), or the information cannot be verified. A denial comes with a written explanation. You have the right to appeal — contact your local SSA office or call 1-800-772-1213 to start the appeals process.

Longer-Than-Expected Processing

Processing delays can occur during busy periods (tax season, back-to-school), when the SSA must verify information with DHS or other agencies, or when mail volume is high. If more than 4 weeks have passed for a mail application (or 3 weeks for in-person), call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to check the status. Have your confirmation number or application receipt ready. Online applications can be tracked via your mySocialSecurity account.

Correcting Errors After Submission

If you realize you made an error on Form SS-5 after submission, contact the SSA immediately at 1-800-772-1213. If the application has not yet been processed, they may be able to correct it. If it has been processed, you will need to submit a new Form SS-5 with correct information and supporting documents. Correcting an SSA administrative error does not count toward your replacement card limit.

Protecting Yourself from SS-5 Scams

How to spot fraud and avoid fake Social Security card services

Social Security cards are 100% free. The SSA never charges any fee to apply for, replace, or correct a Social Security card. Third-party websites that charge fees to "file your SS-5" or "expedite your Social Security card" are not affiliated with the SSA and are taking money for a service the government provides at no cost.

Red Flags — Likely a Scam

Any website charging a fee to submit Form SS-5
Websites promising "faster processing" for a fee
Phone calls claiming your SSN has been "suspended" or "compromised" and requesting payment
Emails asking you to confirm your SSN or personal details to "verify your card status"
Sites with .com, .net, or .org domains that mimic the .gov SSA website
Text messages with links claiming your card is ready for pickup

Official Channels Only

The only official website is ssa.gov (note: .gov domain)
The only official phone number is 1-800-772-1213
Online replacement: ssa.gov/number-card
Find local offices: ssa.gov/locator
PDF Awesome provides the fillable form PDF as a convenience tool — we do not submit your application to the SSA or charge for the form

Report a scam: If you encounter a fraudulent Social Security card service or receive a suspicious call or email, report it to the SSA Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov/report or call 1-800-269-0271. You can also report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Social Security card?

Processing times vary by application method. If you apply online through the SSA's iSSNRC system (for eligible replacement cards), you typically receive your card within 14 business days. Mail-in applications take 2–4 weeks to process, plus additional mailing time. In-person applications are usually processed within 2 weeks. Newborns enrolled through the hospital EAB program receive their cards within approximately 4 weeks of birth. Times can lengthen during peak periods such as tax season. Always verify current processing times at ssa.gov/number-card.

Can I apply for a Social Security card online?

Yes, but only for replacement cards (same name, already have an SSN). To qualify for online application, you must be a U.S. citizen age 18 or older, have a mySocialSecurity account, possess a valid driver's license or state ID from a participating state, and have a U.S. mailing address. Original cards, name changes, and corrections require mail or in-person application. The list of participating states is at ssa.gov/number-card.

How many Social Security cards can I get?

You are limited to 3 replacement cards per calendar year and 10 replacement cards in your lifetime (for cards issued on or after December 17, 2005). Important exceptions: original Social Security cards, cards for legal name changes (first or last name), cards for work authorization legend changes, and cards correcting an SSA administrative error do not count toward these limits. If you reach the limit, you can still get a replacement if you legally change your name.

What documents do I need for a replacement Social Security card?

For a replacement card (same name, same SSN), you need one document proving your identity — most commonly a U.S. driver's license or state-issued ID card. Acceptable alternatives include a U.S. passport, school ID, employee ID, health insurance card, or military ID. If you were born outside the United States, you must also provide documents proving U.S. citizenship or current lawful work authorization. All documents must be original or certified copies issued by the originating agency — no photocopies, no notarized copies.

Does a Social Security card cost money?

No. Form SS-5 and Social Security cards are completely free. The Social Security Administration never charges for original cards, replacement cards, or corrected cards. If anyone asks you to pay for a Social Security card, it's a scam. Report it to the SSA's Office of the Inspector General.

Can I get a Social Security card for my newborn at the hospital?

Yes, and it's the easiest method. Most hospitals participate in the Enumeration at Birth (EAB) program. When you provide information for your baby's birth certificate, you'll be asked if you want to apply for a Social Security Number. If you say yes, the hospital electronically sends the birth registration to the SSA, which assigns an SSN and mails the card to you — no Form SS-5 needed. Cards typically arrive within 4 weeks of birth.

What if I never received my Social Security card?

If you applied but never received your card, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). They can verify whether the card was mailed and to what address. If the card was lost in the mail or sent to an incorrect address, you can request a replacement without it counting toward your 3-per-year or 10-per-lifetime limits. Bring identification and proof that you applied to your local SSA office.

Can someone else pick up my Social Security card for me?

Social Security cards are mailed to the address you provide on Form SS-5 — they are not issued in person at Social Security offices. If you applied in person, the card will be mailed to you within 2 weeks. There is no option for someone else to pick it up on your behalf. Ensure the mailing address on your application is current and secure.

Ready to Apply for Your Social Security Card?

Fill out Form SS-5 online — accurate, secure, and free

Secure & Private SSA Compliant 100% Free

Related Forms & Resources

Forms commonly needed with SS-5

Last updated June 2026. This page was reviewed against official SSA guidance by the PDF Awesome editorial team. This website is an independent publisher — it is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or any government agency. Always verify requirements at the official SSA website before submitting your application.

Official Sources

For a full walkthrough, read our complete SS-5 guide: How to Apply for a Social Security Number — SS-5 Complete Guide.

Get Latest SS-5 Form