Apply for social security card by mail

How do I get a replacement Social Security card by mail?

Obtain and fill out the application for a replacement card, Form SS-5.

You can get this form from your local Social Security Administration (SSA) Field Office, download it from the SSA’s website at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf, or call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 and ask to have the form mailed to you. If you decide to call the SSA, be patient. You will likely not speak to a live person, but will have to navigate through several voice prompts before getting to the right function. (See a sample Form SS-5 in Appendix D, PG. 94).

Gather the documents you will need to prove your identity

See STEP 1 on PG. 40— the same types of proof apply by mail.[54]

Mail your application and supporting documentation to any SSA Field Office.

To get the address of your local Field Office, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit the SSA’s website at: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp and enter your ZIP code.[55]

1. 54

   Soc. Sec. Admin., Program Operations Manual System, RM 10210.405 Evidence of Identity for an SSN Card (March 20, 2013). ↑

2. 55

   Learn What Documents You Need to Get a Social Security Card, Soc. Sec. Admin., http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm. ↑

I am formerly incarcerated, and I’ve never had a Social Security Number (SSN). How do I get an original SSN and card?

If you have never had a Social Security number (SSN)—meaning you were never assigned one at any point in your life—you need to apply for an original number. The process is similar to the process for getting a replacement card, but it must be done in person, and the ID requirement is stricter.

Gather the identifying documents you will need.

To get your SSN, you must prove your identity (a process called “enumeration”) with proof of: (1) your age; (2) your U.S. citizenship or legal presence; and (3) your identity.[56]

For an original SSN, you must bring more than one document to prove this information (not just one primary ID document). However, the types of ID documents you can use as proof are the same as for getting a replacement card (see PG. 40).[57] Some documents carry more weight than others: an authorized certified birth certificate (or proof of naturalization, hospital record, or religious record) will be the most important. Remember, the SSA Field Office reviewer has to decide that you are who you claim to be. Give him or her every reason to believe so, and bring as much proof as possible.

Find your local Social Security Administration Field Office or Card Center.

Go to the website https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp to locate a local SSA Field Office.

Go to your local SSA Field Office or Card Center and fill out the application (Form SS-5).Meet with an SSA employee to verify your identity.

Bring with you everything that could help prove who you are — even family members who can vouch for you (they must bring valid ID for themselves)! An SSA Field Office reviewer will interview you and review all the documents you bring. Depending on what you provide, the reviewer may ask for additional evidence of your age, citizenship/legal presence, or identity.[58] The reviewer will enter all of your documentation into the SSA’s electronic application system.[59] Generally, if the reviewer believes your documents are authentic and that you are who you say you are, your completed electronic application will be sent to a central office, and you’ll be issued a Social Security card within about 2 weeks. If your information needs to be verified, the process can take several weeks or months.[60]

1. 56

   Soc. Sec. Admin., Program Operations Manual System, RM 10210.020 Policy for Number of Documents Required for an SSN Card (Sept. 30 2013). ↑

2. 57

   Soc. Sec. Admin., Program Operations Manual System, RM 10210.405 Evidence of Identity for an SSN Card (March 20, 2013); RM 10210.420 Priority List of Acceptable Evidence of Identity Documents (Nov. 17, 2014); RM 10210.430 What Documents Are Not Evidence of Identity for an SSN Card (March 20, 2013). ↑

3. 58

   Soc. Sec. Admin., Program Operations Manual System, RM 10210.210 Reviewing Age, Identity, Citizenship and Lawful Alien Status Evidence for an SSN Card; RM 10210.410 How Do you Examine, Evaluate, and Assess Documents Submitted as Evidence of Identity (March 20, 2013). ↑

4. 59

   Soc. Sec. Admin., Program Operations Manual System, RM 102201.025 Enumeration Process: SSA Component Responsibilities (Feb. 27, 2014). ↑

5. 60

   Soc. Sec. Admin., Program Operations Manual System, RM 10205.100 How Long Does it Take to Get an SSN Card? (March 3, 2013). ↑