How to Replace Your Social Security Card Online

On This Page

1. Steps for Replacing Your Social Security Card Online
2. Three Important Things to Know About Requesting a New Social Security Card
3. Do You Really Need a Social Security Card?
4. What Happens If My State Doesn’t let Me Request a New Card Online?
5. Berger and Green Wants to Make the Disability Application Process Easy

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

December 12, 2023

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

You can use the Social Security Administration’s free online services to request a new Social Security card if you’re only replacing the card and making no other changes.

Requesting a replacement card is not available in all states. As of now, you cannot replace a card if you live in the following states, per the Social Security Administration (SSA): Alaska, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, and West Virginia.

Steps for Replacing Your Social Security Card Online

First, you’ll need to create a “my Social Security” account. If you already have one, simply enter your username and password to access your dashboard. If not, you must create one using a valid email address.

To create a new account:

• Go to ssa.gov
• Click “Sign In/Up” on the top right-hand corner.
• Choose “Create a new account” on the bottom of the screen.
• Provide some personal information to verify your identity.
• Create a username and password to create your account.

If you already created an account but forgot your credentials, click on “Forgot Username?” or “Forgot Password?” to retrieve this information. The SSA will not let you create an account using the same email address twice.

What do I do Once I Create an Account?

Now that you’ve created an account, you can easily request your replacement card online. You’ll need a copy of your driver’s license, state-issued ID, or passport to give certain information.

To apply for a replacement card, you must also fit the following criteria:

• You must be a U.S. citizen 18 years or older. You must also have a U.S. mailing address (this includes APO, FPO, and DPO addresses).
• You are not requesting any changes, like a name change.
• You have a driver’s license or state-issued ID from any of the 44 participating states or the District of Columbia.

According to the Program Operations Manual System (POMS), if approved, you will receive your replacement card within two weeks of submitting your request.

Three Important Things to Know About Requesting a New Social Security Card

We want to share these details with you:

It Costs Nothing to Request a New Social Security Card

If you request a Social Security card and the website prompts you to enter your credit card information, it’s likely a scam. The SSA does not charge anything to replace your card.

You Only get a Certain Number of Replacement Cards

When you lose your credit card or driver’s license, you can request an unlimited amount of replacement cards. This does not apply to the SSA. You can only request up to three replacement cards a year and 10 replacement cards during your lifetime.

If you’ve lost your card 10 times, then you’ll have to talk to the SSA about getting a replacement. There’s no guarantee that it will replace your card for free or even at all.

You Must Have the Authority to Request a Card for Someone Else

If you’re helping someone you love get a new Social Security card, you must have information proving that you have the authority to do so. Uploading these documents online can be a hassle––especially if you don’t have what you need.

In this instance, you’re likely better off calling the SSA and explaining your situation over the phone.

Do You Really Need a Social Security Card?

Even if you’ve memorized your Social Security number, you should still have your Social Security card. For instance, if you’re applying for housing, the leasing office may ask for a copy of your Social Security card to verify your identity.

You also need a copy of this document if you apply for Social Security Disability benefits.

What Happens If My State Doesn’t let Me Request a New Card Online?

The SSA is currently working with the remaining six states so residents can request new cards online. If you live in Alaska, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, or West Virginia, the SSA recommends checking its website later, as the feature could be available soon.

That being said, if you can’t request your Social Security card online, you’ll have to make a request over the phone. The SSA temporarily closed many of its offices in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. To connect with the SSA and learn more about requesting a new card over the phone, dial 1-800-772-1213.

Berger and Green Wants to Make the Disability Application Process Easy

Berger and Green helps disabled claimants apply for Social Security Disability benefits. By understanding how to apply for a Social Security card online, you can streamline the application process. You need more than your Social Security card to apply for benefits, however; you may also need your medical records, employment history, and other supporting documents.

Our firm can help you apply for the benefits you need and deserve. We can check your application for completion and accuracy, update you on your application’s progression, and appeal any denials.

Begin a free case review now by calling (412) 661-1400.