To get a new Social Security card, you will need to provide original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. Photocopies or notarized copies are not accepted. All documents must be current (not expired), and we may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your U.S. passport as proof of both citizenship and identity. The documents you will need to provide depend on whether you are applying for an original card or a replacement card, and whether you are a U.S. citizen or not. Here are the documents you will need to provide:
For an original card, you must provide at least two documents to prove age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or current lawful, work-authorized immigration status. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have DHS work authorization, you must prove that you have a valid non-work reason for requesting a card. Acceptable documents include:
- U.S. passport
- U.S. drivers license
- State-issued non-driver identification card
- Certificate of Naturalization showing the new name
- Court order approving the name change
- Marriage document
- Divorce decree
If you are age 12 or older and have never received a Social Security number, you must apply in person.
For a replacement card, you must provide one document to prove your identity. If you were born outside the U.S., you must also provide documents to prove your U.S. citizenship or current, lawful, work-authorized status. Acceptable documents include:
- U.S. passport
- U.S. drivers license
- State-issued non-driver identification card
If you lost your card, you may not need a replacement. In most cases, simply knowing your Social Security number (SSN) is enough. But, if you do need a replacement, you can complete your application online or in-person. The easiest way to request a replacement SSN card is online with a personal my Social Security account. If you cannot complete the application online, you will need to provide the required documents in person at your local Social Security office. There is no charge for a Social Security card.
