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.
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 just 14 business days.
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.
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.
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 7-10 business days for mailing — total of 3-6 weeks. In-person applications are usually processed within 2 weeks. Newborns enrolled through the hospital EAB program receive their cards within 4 weeks of birth.
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.
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 after December 17, 2005). Important exceptions: original Social Security cards, cards for legal name changes (first or last name), and cards for work authorization legend changes 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 — no photocopies.
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
Related Forms & Resources
Forms commonly needed with SS-5
About Form SS-5 and Social Security Cards
Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) is the official document used by the Social Security Administration to process requests for original Social Security Numbers, replacement cards, and corrected cards. Whether you're applying for your first Social Security Number, replacing a lost or stolen card, or updating your card after a legal name change, Form SS-5 is the required application.
The Social Security Number is one of the most important identifiers in the United States, required for employment, tax filing, opening bank accounts, applying for credit, and accessing government benefits. Nearly every American citizen has one, and lawfully authorized foreign workers can obtain them for employment purposes. The SSA issues approximately 5.5 million new and replacement Social Security cards each year.
Applying for a Social Security card is completely free. The SSA never charges for Social Security cards, and any website or service asking for payment is fraudulent. Eligible applicants (U.S. citizens 18+ with valid state ID) can apply online through the SSA's Internet SSN Replacement Card (iSSNRC) system and receive their card within 14 business days. Others can apply by mail or in person at a local Social Security office.
Our free online Form SS-5 tool provides the current official SSA form with an intuitive fillable interface. Whether you need an original Social Security Number, a replacement card, or a corrected card after a name change, our secure platform helps you complete your SS-5 application quickly and accurately. For comprehensive instructions, see our complete SS-5 filing guide.