Social Security Card Guide

Everything you need to know about getting, replacing, or updating your Social Security card

Your Social Security card is an important document that verifies your Social Security Number (SSN). While you don't always need the physical card for everyday transactions, there are specific situations when having the actual card is necessary.

Important: All Social Security Administration (SSA) services are completely free. Be cautious of any service asking for payment to help with Social Security cards.

Getting a New Social Security Card

Who needs one?

U.S. citizens (adults and children age 12+ applying for the first time)
Lawful Permanent Residents (Green Card holders)
Nonimmigrants with DHS work authorization (e.g., student visa holders with work permit)

Types of Social Security Cards

The SSA issues three types of cards:

Regular card - Shows your name and SSN, issued to U.S. citizens and people lawfully admitted to the U.S. on a permanent basis
Work-restricted card - Shows "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION," issued to people lawfully admitted to the U.S. on a temporary basis with work authorization
Non-work card - Shows "NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT," issued to non-citizens who need an SSN for non-work purposes

Key Steps & Required Documents

1. Complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card)

2. Provide original or certified documents for:

Identity (e.g., driver's license, passport)
Age (e.g., birth certificate)
U.S. Citizenship (e.g., U.S. birth certificate, passport) OR
Lawful Immigration Status & Work Authorization (e.g., Green Card, EAD, I-94, foreign passport)

Important

You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. Photocopies, notarized copies, and receipts showing you applied for documents are not accepted. All documents must be current (not expired).

Where to Apply?

Most first-time applicants age 12 and older must apply in person at a Social Security office. As of 2025, you can:

Start your application online at ssa.gov/ssnumber
Self-schedule an appointment for your local office
Bring your required original documents to complete the process

Key Highlight

Gather all required original documents before applying. This will save you time and prevent multiple trips to the Social Security office.

Getting a Social Security Card for Your Baby

Easiest Way: At the Hospital (Enumeration at Birth - EAB)

Hospital staff help with the application when you provide information for the birth certificate
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The card is mailed directly to you, usually within 2-3 weeks
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No additional documents or office visits required

If Not Applied for at Hospital

Complete Form SS-5
Provide baby's original documents:
1. Birth certificate (serves as proof of age, citizenship, and often identity)
Provide parent's proof of identity (e.g., driver's license, passport)
Apply at a Social Security office

Key Highlight

Applying at the hospital through the Enumeration at Birth program is the simplest method for newborns and eliminates the need for a separate office visit.

Actual Physical Card?

Do you always need a physical card?

In many situations, just knowing your Social Security number is enough. However, some organizations may require seeing the actual card, particularly for employment verification.

How to Get a Replacement (Free)

Online (for eligible U.S. citizens)

Through a "my Social Security" account at ssa.gov/myaccount‍
Requirements:
1. Age 18 or older
2. U.S. mailing address
3. No name change or other changes needed
4. Valid driver's license or state ID from a participating state
Card arrives by mail within 10-14 business days

By Mail or In Person

Complete Form SS-5
Provide original or certified proof of identity (e.g., driver's license, passport, Green Card, EAD)
If born outside the U.S., you must also provide proof of U.S. citizenship or current lawful immigration status
Submit documents by mail or at a Social Security office

Important: There are limits on replacement cards. You can receive up to 3 replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime. Cards issued to reflect name changes or work authorization changes don't count toward these limits.

Key Highlight: Check if you can apply online first – it's faster and doesn't require an office visit. As of 2025, the online replacement option has been expanded to more states.

Changing Your Name on Your Social Security Card

Why update your name?

After marriage, divorce, court order, or other legal name change

Ensures your earnings are recorded correctly under your current name

Prevents issues with tax filing and benefit claims

How to Update (Free)

Cannot be done online or by phone

Complete Form SS-5Complete Form SS-5

Provide original or certified proof of:
1. Legal name change (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order)
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2. Identity (e.g., driver's license, passport)
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3. U.S. Citizenship (if not born in U.S.) or current lawful immigration status

Mail or take documents to a Social Security office

Key Highlight
‍Update your name promptly after any legal name change to avoid issues with your earnings record and future benefits. This should be one of the first updates you make after a name change.

Other Information Changes

To correct information on your Social Security record (such as date of birth), you must:

Provide documents proving your identity

Provide documents supporting the requested change

Explain the reason for the change

For example, a birth certificate can show your correct date of birth. Documents supporting a name change must be recent and identify you by both your old and new names.

General Reminders

Always provide original or certified copies of documents
SSA services are free; beware of services asking for payment
Check the official SSA website (ssa.gov) for the most current information and forms
As of 2025, many Social Security services require an appointment - schedule online or call 1-800-772-1213
The Mobile Check-in Express system makes office visits more efficient - look for QR codes at your local office
If you need to visit an office, schedule an appointment first
Cards are typically mailed within 14 business days after your application is processed

Helping Americans navigate Social Security and Medicare nationwide

Chapter Advisory, LLC (Chapter) is a private health insurance agency. In California, Chapter does business as Chapter Insurance Services (Lic. No. 6003691). Chapter is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government entity. While Chapter has a database of every Medicare plan option nationwide and can help you to search among all options, it has contracts with many but not all plans. As a result, Chapter does not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, Chapter represents 50 organizations which offer 18,601 products nationwide. You can contact a licensed Chapter agent to find out the number of products available in your specific area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. Enrollment in a plan may be limited to certain times of the year unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period or you are in your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period.