To obtain a replacement Social Security card, you need to provide proof of identity, such as a valid U.S. driver's license, state-issued non-driver identification card, or U.S. passport. Additionally, documents verifying your citizenship or legal status, like a birth certificate or permanent resident card, may be required. Submitting the original documents or certified copies from the issuing agency ensures your application is processed efficiently.
What Documents Are Necessary to Obtain a Replacement Social Security Card?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Primary Identity Documents | Primary identity documents required to obtain a replacement Social Security card include a U.S. driver's license, U.S. state-issued identification card, or U.S. passport. These documents must prove the applicant's identity and citizenship or lawful immigration status to meet Social Security Administration requirements. |
| 2 | U.S. Citizenship Evidence | To obtain a replacement Social Security card, U.S. citizenship evidence typically includes a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Certificate of Naturalization. These documents must be original or certified copies issued by the appropriate government agency to verify your identity and citizenship status. |
| 3 | Secondary Identity Proofs | Secondary identity proofs necessary to obtain a replacement Social Security card include documents such as a U.S. driver's license, state-issued identification card, U.S. passport, employee ID card, school ID card, or health insurance card. These documents must verify identity but are typically required alongside primary identity documents like a birth certificate or passport to complete the application process. |
| 4 | Original Documentation Requirement | Obtaining a replacement Social Security card requires original documents proving identity, citizenship or lawful immigration status, and age, such as a U.S. passport, state-issued driver's license, or birth certificate. Photocopies, laminated documents, or notarized copies are not accepted, emphasizing the strict original documentation requirement enforced by the Social Security Administration. |
| 5 | Certified Copy Submission | A certified copy of a birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card is essential for obtaining a replacement Social Security card, as these documents verify identity and citizenship status. Submitting original or certified copies issued by the appropriate government agency ensures your application meets SSA requirements and prevents processing delays. |
| 6 | Deferred Action Documentation | To obtain a replacement Social Security card with Deferred Action Documentation, you must provide valid immigration documents such as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Supplemental identification like a state-issued ID or passport, along with proof of your identity and immigration status, is essential for the Social Security Administration to process the request. |
| 7 | REAL ID Compliance | To obtain a replacement Social Security card with REAL ID compliance, you must provide proof of identity such as a valid U.S. passport, state-issued REAL ID driver's license, or federal government employee ID card. The Social Security Administration also requires proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status, including documents like a U.S. birth certificate or permanent resident card. |
| 8 | Digital Social Security Application | To obtain a replacement Social Security card through a digital Social Security application, you must provide proof of identity such as a U.S. driver's license, state-issued identification card, or a valid U.S. passport. Supporting documents must be original or certified copies issued by the relevant government agency to ensure the authenticity required for online verification. |
| 9 | E-Authentication Credentials | To obtain a replacement Social Security card, applicants must provide proof of identity through e-authentication credentials such as a government-issued photo ID or a My Social Security account login verified with multi-factor authentication. Supporting documents like a U.S. driver's license, state-issued identification card, or a U.S. passport are essential to complete the identity verification process online. |
| 10 | Automated Verification System | To obtain a replacement Social Security card using the Automated Verification System, you must provide primary documents such as a valid U.S. passport, state-issued driver's license, or state identification card that can be electronically verified. The system ensures real-time authentication of identity and citizenship status, minimizing the need for physical document submission. |
Introduction to Replacement Social Security Card Requirements
| Introduction to Replacement Social Security Card Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To provide a secure and straightforward process for obtaining a replacement Social Security card when the original is lost or damaged. |
| Primary Documents Needed | Proof of identity including valid government-issued photo ID such as a U.S. driver's license, U.S. passport, or state-issued identification card. |
| Additional Required Documents |
|
| Application Process | Complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) and submit it with the required documents either in person at a Social Security office or by mail. |
| Restrictions | One replacement card per year is generally allowed and no more than three replacements during a lifetime, except in certain cases. |
| Processing Time | Typically 10-14 business days after the Social Security Administration receives the application and verifies the documents. |
Essential Certificates Needed for Application
To obtain a replacement Social Security card, essential certificates are required to verify your identity and citizenship. These typically include your birth certificate or U.S. passport as proof of citizenship, and a valid driver's license or state-issued ID to confirm your identity. Providing these key certificates ensures a smooth and successful application process for your replacement card.
Primary Proofs of Identity Accepted
To obtain a replacement Social Security card, primary proofs of identity are essential. The Social Security Administration accepts documents such as a U.S. driver's license, a U.S. passport, or a state-issued identification card as valid primary identity proofs. These documents must be current and original or certified copies to ensure verification accuracy.
Acceptable Citizenship and Immigration Certificates
What documents are necessary to obtain a replacement Social Security card? Acceptable Citizenship and Immigration certificates include your U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. You must provide one of these documents to verify your identity and citizenship status when applying for a replacement card.
Guidelines for Minors: Necessary Birth Certificates and Documents
Obtaining a replacement Social Security card requires specific documents to verify your identity and citizenship. For minors, the process demands additional proof through certain birth certificates and supporting documents.
You must provide an original or certified copy of the minor's birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state. This certificate confirms the child's identity, age, and parentage. Alongside, a valid proof of the parent or guardian's identity, such as a government-issued ID, is essential to complete the application.
Non-Citizen Documentation and Certificates
To obtain a replacement Social Security card as a non-citizen, specific documents demonstrating lawful status and identity are required. These certificates and records validate your eligibility and verify your identity with the Social Security Administration.
- Immigration Status Documentation - Present current immigration documents such as Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, or Form I-766, Employment Authorization Document.
- Valid Passport or Travel Document - Provide a foreign passport with an appropriate visa or a travel document issued by the Department of Homeland Security.
- Evidence of Work Authorization - Submit documentation proving work eligibility, including a valid employment authorization card or other certificates confirming your legal permission to work in the United States.
Address Verification: Acceptable Forms of Proof
To obtain a replacement Social Security card, you must provide proof of your identity and address. Address verification is a crucial step to ensure the accuracy and security of your application.
Acceptable forms of address proof include a current utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement. Government-issued documents such as a driver's license or state ID displaying your address are also accepted.
Steps to Submit Certified Copies of Original Documents
Submitting certified copies of original documents is essential when applying for a replacement Social Security card. These copies verify your identity and support your application.
- Gather Certified Copies - Obtain certified copies from the issuing agency, not photocopies or notarized copies.
- Check Document Types - Use documents such as your birth certificate, U.S. passport, or state-issued ID that meet Social Security Administration (SSA) requirements.
- Include Supporting Forms - Complete Form SS-5 and attach all certified documents before submission.
You should mail or submit these materials in person to your local SSA office for processing.
Frequently Rejected Certificates and How to Avoid Issues
Obtaining a replacement Social Security card requires specific documents that prove identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status. Commonly accepted documents include a U.S. passport, state-issued driver's license, or a birth certificate.
Frequently rejected certificates often include expired IDs, laminated birth certificates, or photocopies instead of originals. To avoid delays, submit original documents or certified copies from the issuing agency, ensuring all paperwork is current and legible.
What Documents Are Necessary to Obtain a Replacement Social Security Card? Infographic
