How to Get a New Social Security Card in 3 Steps

The U.S. government initially established the Social Security program to track workers’ earnings throughout their careers and calculate their retirement benefits. However, over time, the scope of the Social Security program has significantly expanded beyond just tracking earnings. Over time, the scope of the Social Security program has significantly expanded beyond just tracking earnings.

The 9-digit Social Security number is used as an identity for tax purposes. It is also needed to open bank accounts, apply for loans, receive government assistance, and obtain passports and driving licenses.

It is common practice for parents to apply for a Social Security number for their newborn, typically through the hospital’s birth registration process, before leaving the hospital. If you are not a natural-born citizen of the U.S., did not receive a Social Security number for any reason, or lost somehow, you might be wondering how to get a new Social Security card.

In this article, we shall look at the quick steps to get a new Social Security card and how to replace a lost Social Security card.

Getting a New Social Security Card

Suppose you misplace or lose your Social Security card. In that case, you can request a replacement for free by visiting the Social Security Administration (SSA) website at https://www.ssa.gov/, visiting your local SSA office, or applying via regular mail.

Getting a new Social Security Card

However, if the card is not needed for a specific purpose and you remember your Social Security number, you can avoid this trouble. According to SSA guidelines, physically possessing a Social Security card is not mandatory if you know your Social Security number.

Still, the SSA allows beneficiaries to replace their lost or stolen Social Security cards if they are lost or stolen. For instance, if you legally change your name, you can get a new card, which will not be counted toward the limit. The same rule applies if you need to update your immigration status on the Social Security database.

Steps to get a new Social Security Card

These are three easy steps to get a new Social Security card:

Step 1 – Documents Required

Before applying for a new Social Security card, you must get certain original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency. Remember, notarized or the SSA does not accept photocopies of these documents.

These are the documents you will need to get before applying for Social Security:

Proof of Age—Any document verifying your age, preferably issued before you turn 5, is accepted as proof of age. For this, you can show a U.S. hospital birth record, birth certificate, religious record, or passport.
Proof of Citizenship – Any document that proves you are a valid U.S. citizen, such as a U.S. passport or a U.S. birth certificate, will suffice as proof of citizenship.
Proof of Identity—Any document or photo ID identifying you is accepted. This can include a U.S. passport, U.S. driver’s license, employee ID card, state-issued ID card, military ID card, school ID card, or health insurance card. Note that the SSA does not accept a Medicare card as proof of identity.

Make sure to have all these documents up-to-date with accurate information and details. The SSA rejects outdated documents and will not accept receipts showing that you have applied for said document.

Step 2 – Apply for a Social Security card

Once you have the necessary documents, you can apply for a new Social Security card at the SSA website by filling out the form here https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf.

To complete an online application, you can create an SSA account here https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/.

Step 3 – Visit the SSA office

After completing the online application form, you can print and take the application (with original documents) to the local SSA office. To find the nearest SSA office, check out this link https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp.

If you fill out the application online, the website will take you to a page where you can search for the closest SSA office to you. You must meet certain criteria to submit your application for a Social Security card online.

To do this, you must provide additional documents, such as a state-issued ID card or driver’s license, that prove you are a U.S. citizen over 18 years old and have a U.S. mailing address. If you have these documents handy, you can simply create an account on the SSA website and request a new/replacement Social Security card.

Conclusion

The quickest way to get a new Social Security card or replace a stolen/lost card is to use the online application portal. You can also visit the local SSA office and apply for a new Social Security card. Once your application is approved, receiving a new Social Security card by mail typically takes 10 to 14 business days.

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