To replace a Social Security card, you need to provide proof of identity, such as a valid U.S. driver's license, state-issued identification card, or U.S. passport. In some cases, proof of citizenship or lawful immigration status is also required, using documents like a birth certificate or immigration papers. The Social Security Administration may request original documents or certified copies to ensure authenticity during the replacement process.
What Documents are Necessary for Social Security Card Replacement?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | U.S. Birth Certificate | A U.S. birth certificate is a primary document necessary for Social Security card replacement, serving as proof of identity, age, and U.S. citizenship. The birth certificate must be an original or certified copy issued by the vital records office of the state, territory, or jurisdiction where the birth occurred. |
| 2 | U.S. Passport | A valid U.S. Passport can serve as primary identification when applying for a Social Security card replacement, providing proof of U.S. citizenship and identity. Submitting this document helps meet the Social Security Administration's requirements without additional identity verification papers. |
| 3 | Certificate of Naturalization | To replace a Social Security card, a Certificate of Naturalization serves as crucial proof of U.S. citizenship along with identity verification. This document confirms the individual's legal status and is accepted by the Social Security Administration to issue a replacement card. |
| 4 | Certificate of Citizenship | A Certificate of Citizenship is a primary document required for Social Security card replacement, serving as proof of U.S. citizenship and identity. This official document verifies the holder's legal status, facilitating the Social Security Administration's process to issue a new card. |
| 5 | Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) | A Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) serves as a primary document to verify identity and immigration status when applying for a Social Security card replacement. Presenting this card at the Social Security Administration office ensures compliance with federal requirements for non-citizen identification. |
| 6 | Employment Authorization Document | An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) serves as a primary proof of identity and legal work status when applying for a Social Security card replacement. Presenting the EAD alongside a completed SS-5 form ensures verification of eligibility and expedites the issuance process. |
| 7 | Foreign Birth Certificate (with translation, if necessary) | A Foreign Birth Certificate, accompanied by a certified English translation if the original is in a different language, serves as a primary proof of identity and citizenship when applying for Social Security Card replacement. This document must be valid, official, and include key details such as full name, date of birth, and parental information to be accepted by the Social Security Administration. |
| 8 | Foreign Passport | A foreign passport, along with proof of lawful immigration status such as a visa or Form I-94, serves as a critical document for Social Security card replacement for non-U.S. citizens. These documents must verify identity, age, and immigration status to meet Social Security Administration requirements for card replacement. |
| 9 | Driver’s License (U.S. state-issued) | A U.S. state-issued driver's license serves as a primary identification document required for Social Security card replacement, verifying identity through government-issued photo ID. Presenting this document at the Social Security Administration ensures compliance with identification standards and expedites the card reissuance process. |
| 10 | State-issued Non-driver Identification Card | A state-issued non-driver identification card is a vital document needed to replace a Social Security card, as it verifies your identity and residency within the issuing state. This ID must be current or recently expired, containing your full legal name, photograph, date of birth, and residential address to meet Social Security Administration requirements. |
| 11 | U.S. Military Identification Card | A U.S. Military Identification Card serves as an acceptable primary document for Social Security card replacement, verifying identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status. Required supporting documents may also include a birth certificate or U.S. passport to establish citizenship and identity when applying through the Social Security Administration. |
| 12 | Adoption Decree | An Adoption Decree is a critical document required for Social Security card replacement, proving legal name changes and parental relationships. It must be an original or certified copy issued by a court to verify identity and citizenship when applying for a new or corrected Social Security card. |
| 13 | Religious Record Made Before Age 5 | A religious record made before age 5, such as a baptismal certificate, can serve as primary evidence of identity and age when applying for a Social Security card replacement. This document must include the child's full name and date of birth to meet the Social Security Administration's verification requirements. |
| 14 | School Record (school ID, transcript, report card) | To replace a Social Security card, original or certified school records such as a school ID, transcript, or report card serve as acceptable proofs of identity for minors and young adults. These documents must include the applicant's full name, date of birth, and be issued by a recognized educational institution to meet Social Security Administration requirements. |
| 15 | Medical Record (hospital, clinic, doctor’s office) | Medical records from a hospital, clinic, or doctor's office serve as valid proof of identity and citizenship when requesting a Social Security card replacement. These documents, which include official medical reports or patient identification, help verify personal information essential for the Social Security Administration's identity verification process. |
| 16 | Marriage Certificate (if name change) | A marriage certificate is essential for Social Security card replacement when updating your name after marriage, providing official proof of the name change. The Social Security Administration requires the original or certified copy of the marriage certificate along with proof of identity and citizenship or legal status. |
| 17 | Divorce Decree (if name change) | A Divorce Decree is essential for Social Security card replacement if it involves a legal name change, serving as official proof to update your records. This document must clearly display the new name and be an original or certified copy to ensure acceptance by the Social Security Administration. |
| 18 | Court Order for Name Change | A court order for name change is a critical document required for Social Security card replacement to verify legal identity changes. This official legal paper must be presented alongside proof of citizenship and identity to update Social Security records accurately. |
Introduction to Social Security Card Replacement
Replacing a lost or damaged Social Security card requires specific documents to verify your identity and citizenship or immigration status. These documents help ensure your protection against identity theft and maintain accurate Social Security records. Understanding which documents to provide is essential for a smooth and fast card replacement process.
Why Proper Identification Is Required
| Document Type | Purpose | Why Proper Identification Is Required |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of Identity (e.g., U.S. driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport) | Verifies the applicant's identity | Prevents identity theft and fraud by confirming the individual requesting the replacement is the rightful holder of the Social Security number |
| Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Legal Status (e.g., U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, permanent resident card) | Confirms legal eligibility for a Social Security card | Ensures that only individuals authorized to have Social Security numbers obtain or replace cards |
| Proof of Age (e.g., birth certificate, passport) | Establishes the applicant's date of birth | Maintains accurate records for benefit eligibility and identity verification purposes |
| Completed Application Form (Form SS-5) | Official request for Social Security card replacement | Provides formal documentation and authorization for processing the request |
Primary Documents Accepted for Identification
To replace a Social Security card, you must provide primary documents that prove your identity. These documents must be current and show your full name, age, and identity clearly.
Accepted primary identification documents include a U.S. driver's license, a state-issued non-driver identification card, or a U.S. passport. If you do not have these, the Social Security Administration may accept other documents proving your identity, such as an employee ID card, school ID, or health insurance card.
Secondary Documents for Proof of Identity
When replacing a Social Security card, secondary documents can serve as proof of identity if primary documents are unavailable. These secondary documents must be current and contain identifying information linking the applicant to their identity.
- U.S. State-Issued Driver's License or ID Card - A valid driver's license or identification card issued by a U.S. state provides verification of identity.
- U.S. Military Identification Card - Military ID cards confirm identity for active-duty personnel and veterans.
- Employee Identification Card - Government or federally recognized employee IDs help demonstrate identity when primary documents are missing.
Acceptable Citizenship Evidence
What documents are necessary for Social Security card replacement? Acceptable citizenship evidence includes a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization. You must provide original or certified copies to verify your citizenship status.
Legal Name Change Documentation
When applying for a Social Security card replacement due to a legal name change, it is crucial to provide official documentation proving the change. Acceptable documents include a court order, marriage certificate, or divorce decree that states the new legal name.
The Social Security Administration requires these legal name change documents to update their records accurately. Submitting original or certified copies of these documents ensures the replacement card reflects the correct, legally recognized name.
Special Requirements for Minors
To replace a Social Security card, you must provide documents proving identity, citizenship or immigration status, and age. Special requirements apply for minors, requiring additional proof of parental or guardian identity.
Minors need a birth certificate or adoption decree as primary evidence of age. The parent or guardian must present their own valid identification and proof of relationship to the child. These documents ensure the child's Social Security record is accurately maintained.
Verification Process for Submitted Documents
To replace a Social Security card, the verification process requires submitting original or certified copies of identity documents. The Social Security Administration verifies documents such as a U.S. birth certificate, valid passport, or state-issued driver's license to confirm the applicant's identity. Documents must be current, unexpired, and accurately reflect the applicant's personal information to ensure successful verification.
Tips for Ensuring Faster Processing
Replacing a Social Security card requires specific documents to verify your identity and citizenship or immigration status. Preparing the correct paperwork and following key tips can help speed up the processing time.
- Gather Original Identification - Submit original or certified copies of documents like a driver's license or passport to avoid delays caused by unverifiable copies.
- Complete the Application Accurately - Fill out the SS-5 form thoroughly and correctly to prevent processing errors and requests for additional information.
- Use In-Person or Online Services When Available - Opt for the fastest submission method offered by the Social Security Administration to reduce mailing time and expedite review.
What Documents are Necessary for Social Security Card Replacement? Infographic
