To obtain a Social Security card replacement, you must provide documents proving your identity, such as a valid U.S. passport, driver's license, or state-issued ID card. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you also need to submit immigration documents, like a permanent resident card or work authorization. In some cases, proof of age and citizenship may be required to complete the application process.
What Documents Are Required for Getting a Social Security Card Replacement?
| Number | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | U.S. Birth Certificate | A valid U.S. birth certificate is a primary document required to replace a Social Security card, serving as proof of identity, age, and U.S. citizenship. The birth certificate must be an original or certified copy issued by the appropriate state, county, or municipal vital records office to meet Social Security Administration requirements. |
| 2 | U.S. Passport | A U.S. Passport serves as a primary form of identification when applying for a Social Security card replacement, verifying both citizenship and identity. Presenting an original, unexpired passport during the application process ensures compliance with Social Security Administration requirements. |
| 3 | State-issued Driver’s License | A state-issued driver's license is a primary form of identification required for obtaining a Social Security card replacement, proving both identity and residency accurately. The license must be current or valid, aligning with Social Security Administration guidelines to ensure eligibility for card replacement. |
| 4 | State-issued Identification Card | A state-issued identification card is a primary document needed to get a Social Security card replacement, proving your identity and residency. Acceptable forms include a valid driver's license or a non-driver ID card issued by your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). |
| 5 | Certificate of Naturalization | A Certificate of Naturalization serves as primary proof of U.S. citizenship when applying for a Social Security card replacement, verifying identity and immigration status. Submitting this document to the Social Security Administration ensures the accurate and timely processing of the replacement card request. |
| 6 | Certificate of Citizenship | A valid Certificate of Citizenship serves as a primary document for proving identity and U.S. citizenship when applying for a Social Security card replacement. The Social Security Administration accepts this certificate along with proof of identity, such as a government-issued photo ID, to process the replacement efficiently. |
| 7 | Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) | To obtain a replacement Social Security card, you must present your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) as proof of lawful immigration status and identity. The Green Card verifies your eligibility and supports the Social Security Administration's records for accurate processing. |
| 8 | Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | An Employment Authorization Document (EAD) serves as a valid primary identification document when applying for a Social Security card replacement, proving legal work authorization in the United States. Presenting an unexpired EAD along with proof of identity and immigration status streamlines the verification process for Social Security Administration (SSA) officials. |
| 9 | Foreign Passport with U.S. Visa | A foreign passport with a U.S. visa is a critical document for obtaining a Social Security card replacement, serving as primary proof of identity and legal immigration status. This document must be valid and accompanied by additional proof such as a completed Form SS-5 and evidence of current immigration status from the Department of Homeland Security. |
| 10 | Consular Report of Birth Abroad | To obtain a Social Security card replacement, you must present identity documents that prove your U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status, and the Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) serves as a primary proof of U.S. citizenship issued to U.S. citizens born outside the United States. The CRBA is accepted by the Social Security Administration as a valid document to verify identity and citizenship when applying for a replacement Social Security card. |
| 11 | Military Identification Card | A Military Identification Card is an accepted form of proof of identity when applying for a Social Security card replacement, verifying U.S. citizenship or legal status. Applicants must ensure the Military ID is current and valid to meet the Social Security Administration's document requirements. |
| 12 | Adoption Decree | For obtaining a Social Security card replacement, an adoption decree serves as a primary document proving identity and U.S. citizenship or legal status. The Social Security Administration requires the original or certified copy of the adoption decree along with a completed application form to process the replacement efficiently. |
| 13 | Marriage Certificate | A marriage certificate is required to verify a change of name when applying for a Social Security card replacement, serving as primary proof of legal name change. It must be an official document issued by a government authority that clearly displays the marriage details and your identity. |
| 14 | Divorce Decree | A divorce decree is required for obtaining a Social Security card replacement if the name change on the card resulted from the divorce, as it provides legal proof of the name change. This document must be original or certified, issued by a court of law, to validate the request accurately with the Social Security Administration. |
| 15 | Court Order for Name Change | A court order for name change is a crucial document required to obtain a Social Security card replacement when your name has legally changed. This official legal proof must be presented along with other identification documents to the Social Security Administration to update your records and issue a new card. |
| 16 | School Identification Card | A school identification card is accepted as a primary document to prove identity when applying for a Social Security card replacement, provided it includes the applicant's full name, photograph, and date of birth. This document must be current and issued by a recognized educational institution to meet the Social Security Administration's verification standards. |
| 17 | Health Insurance Card (not a Medicare card) | A Health Insurance Card, excluding Medicare cards, serves as a primary identification document required for obtaining a Social Security card replacement, verifying identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status. The card must include the applicant's full name and date of birth, and it should be issued by a recognized state or federal program to be accepted by the Social Security Administration. |
| 18 | Employee Identification Card | Obtaining a Social Security card replacement requires presenting valid identification documents such as an Employee Identification Card, which verifies employment and identity. The card must be government-issued and include the employee's full name, photo, and date of birth to meet the Social Security Administration's requirements. |
Introduction to Social Security Card Replacement
Replacing a lost or damaged Social Security card requires specific documentation to prove your identity and citizenship status. Understanding the necessary documents helps streamline the application process and avoid delays.
- Proof of Identity - You must provide a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport.
- Proof of Citizenship or Immigration Status - Documents like a U.S. birth certificate or permanent resident card verify your eligibility.
- Application Form - Completing the official Social Security card replacement form (Form SS-5) is mandatory for processing.
Submitting the correct documents ensures your Social Security card replacement is processed promptly and correctly.
Understanding Social Security Administration Requirements
To replace a Social Security card, the Social Security Administration requires specific documentation to verify your identity and citizenship or immigration status. Acceptable documents include a U.S. driver's license, state-issued identification card, or U.S. passport for identity proof, and a birth certificate or U.S. immigration documents for citizenship or lawful status verification. Understanding these requirements ensures a smooth application process and prevents delays in obtaining a replacement card.
Who Needs a Replacement Social Security Card?
Who needs a replacement Social Security card? Individuals who have lost their card, had it stolen, or have a damaged card require a replacement. Your Social Security card is crucial for tax reporting, employment, and government benefits.
What documents are required for getting a Social Security card replacement? You must provide proof of identity such as a U.S. driver's license, state-issued identification card, or U.S. passport. Additional documents like proof of citizenship or lawful immigration status may be necessary depending on your situation.
Primary Documents for Proof of Identity
Primary documents are essential for proving your identity when applying for a Social Security card replacement. Accepted documents must be current, original, or certified copies only.
Documents such as a U.S. driver's license, U.S. passport, or a state-issued identification card serve as valid proof. For non-U.S. citizens, a work permit or immigration documentation is required. These primary documents ensure the authenticity of your application and help protect against identity theft.
Acceptable Citizenship or Immigration Status Documents
The Social Security Administration requires specific citizenship or immigration status documents to replace your Social Security card. Acceptable documents for U.S. citizens include a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, or a Certificate of Naturalization. Non-citizens must provide immigration status documents such as a Form I-551 (Green Card), Form I-94, or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by the Department of Homeland Security.
Acceptable Proof of Age Documentation
To replace a Social Security card, acceptable proof of age documents must clearly verify the individual's date of birth. Official documents issued by government or authorized entities are required to confirm age accurately.
- Birth Certificate - A certified copy issued by the city, county, or state vital records office serves as primary evidence of age.
- Valid U.S. Passport - A current or expired U.S. passport provides official proof of age and identity for Social Security card replacement.
- Religious Record Showing Date of Birth - Official baptismal or similar religious records created within five years of birth are accepted as proof of age documentation.
Secondary Identification Documents
| Secondary Identification Documents | Description |
|---|---|
| U.S. Driver's License | Valid state-issued driver's license serving as proof of identity. |
| State Identification Card | Valid state ID card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency. |
| Employee Identification Card | Official ID card from current employer verifying your identity. |
| School Identification Card | Valid ID card issued by a secondary school or university. |
| Health Insurance Card | Document providing proof of identity through insurance coverage. |
| U.S. Military ID Card | Official identification issued by the U.S. Armed Forces. |
| Marriage Document | Certified record verifying your name change or identity link. |
You must present at least one of these secondary identification documents when applying for a Social Security card replacement if primary documents are not available.
Special Criteria for Children and Minors
To replace a Social Security card for children and minors, specific documentation is required to verify identity and citizenship. The Social Security Administration mandates original or certified copies of documents such as a birth certificate and proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status.
Parents or guardians must provide evidence of their own identity along with documentation proving the child's relationship to them. This special criteria ensures the protection of minors' identities and compliance with federal regulations.
Steps to Submit Supporting Documentation
To obtain a replacement Social Security card, you must submit specific supporting documents that prove your identity, age, and citizenship or legal status. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires original or certified copies of these documents for verification purposes.
- Gather identity documents - Provide a valid U.S. driver's license, state-issued identification card, or U.S. passport to prove your identity.
- Submit proof of citizenship or legal status - Present a U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport for citizenship, or immigration documents such as Form I-551 for legal status.
- Complete and mail or deliver the application - Fill out Form SS-5 and submit it with the original documents either in person at your local SSA office or by mail.
What Documents Are Required for Getting a Social Security Card Replacement? Infographic
