You can receive a replacement social security card for free if, for some reason, you are without yours. To do so, you will need to fill out an application. You will need to provide additional documents proving your age, identity, and citizenship. Then, you will need to submit these items at the appropriate facility.
The first step in obtaining a replacement social security card is to fill out an application. You can obtain the application from a Social Security office. A form also can be downloaded from the Social Security Website. The file that contains the application is titled ss-5.
The application includes instructions and provides additional information that you may need. Although it is five-pages long, only one page needs to be completed and submitted. The application will ask basic questions that you should know or be able to obtain answers to. These include your name, address, and social security number. It also will ask information about your parents, including their birth names and social security numbers.
In addition to a signed and completed application, you also will need evidence of age. The most common document used to fulfill this requirement is a birth certificate. If your birth certificate is not available, you may be able to use an adoption decree, a passport, or a hospital record of birth.
You also will need to prove your identity. The most common documents used for this are driver’s licenses, state-issued identity cards, and passports. If you do not have one of these, you may be able to use a military identification card, a hospital record, or a school identification card.
Additionally, you will need a document that testifies to your citizenship or immigration status before you can qualify for a replacement social security card. Citizens typically are required to fulfill this request with a birth certificate or U.S. passport. A consular report of birth, certificate of citizenship, or certificate of naturalization also may be used.
Immigration status can be shown by documents issued by the Department of Homeland Security. These include forms such as I-551, I-94, or I-766. Any documents that you provide with your application should be originals. If you do not have the originals, you will need copies that are certified by the custodian of the record. These items will be returned to you.
Once your application is completed and you have all the required documents, you need to present the required items at a Social Security office. The Social Security Website has a locator that can help you to find a local office. If, you are not able to take these items to the office, you can mail them. You should receive your replacement social security card in one to two weeks.
