What Is Form SS-5?
Form SS-5, officially titled the Application for a Social Security Card, is the official form issued by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to apply for an original, replacement, or corrected Social Security card in the United States.
Every Social Security card in the US is tied to a unique Social Security Number (SSN) — a nine-digit number the government uses to track your earnings, tax contributions, and eligibility for benefits throughout your lifetime. Whether you are making a social security card application for the very first time, need a replacement social security card because yours is lost or damaged, want to know how to get a social security card for your child, need to know how to replace social security card records due to a name change, or want to apply for social security card benefits — Form SS-5 is the official document you need. If you have heard it called the ss5 form or the ss-5 form, it is the same document. Dealing with a lost social security card? Need to start a social security number application from scratch? This guide also walks you through social security card replacement and the new 2026 online process. Best of all — there is absolutely no fee. Applying for or replacing a Social Security card is completely free.
📥 Download Form SS-5 from the Official SSA Website →
2026 Update — What Changed and Who Should Know
On February 23, 2026, the Social Security Administration released an emergency message highlighting a streamlined process for determining if a person qualifies for automated, self-service issuance of a replacement Social Security card. Under this update, certain US citizens requesting a replacement card with no changes or a name change solely due to marriage may qualify for self-service card replacement — completing the entire application online without visiting an SSA office. Once processed, the applicant receives a replacement card in the mail within 5 to 10 business days. This is a significant improvement from the previous in-person or mail-in process.
Documents You Need — Complete Checklist
Gather all documents before you start filling the form. The SSA requires original documents or certified copies — photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted and will cause your application to be returned.
Proof of Age
- US birth certificate (original or certified copy)
- US passport
- Religious record of birth or baptism established before age 5
- Hospital record of birth
Proof of Identity
- US driver’s license or state-issued ID card
- US passport
- Employee ID card with photograph
- School ID card with photograph
- US military ID card
- Health insurance card (not Medicare)
Proof of US Citizenship or Immigration Status
For US Citizens: US birth certificate, US passport, Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550 or N-570), Certificate of Citizenship (Form N-560 or N-561), or US Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
For Non-Citizens: Form I-766 Employment Authorization Document, unexpired foreign passport with valid US visa and I-94 arrival record, or Form I-551 Permanent Resident Card.
For Name Change Applications
- Original or certified marriage certificate for marriage-related name changes
- Divorce decree if reverting to a former name
- Court order for any other legal name change
Am I Eligible to Use Form SS-5?
US Citizens — First-Time Applicants
All US citizens are eligible to apply for a Social Security card using Form SS-5. Parents or legal guardians can apply on behalf of minor children. There is no age minimum — newborns can receive a Social Security number, and many hospitals offer to apply on behalf of parents immediately after birth.
US Citizens — Replacement or Correction
If you already have a Social Security number and need a replacement card or need to correct information on your record, you can use Form SS-5. The SSA limits the number of replacement cards a person can receive to 3 per year and 10 in a lifetime. Cards issued for extenuating circumstances — such as identity theft with a documented police report or a letter from a government agency — do not count against this limit.
Non-Citizens With Work Authorization
Non-citizens who are lawfully authorized to work in the United States can apply for a Social Security card. This includes permanent residents (Green Card holders), temporary workers with valid DHS work authorization, asylees, and refugees. You must provide documentation from the Department of Homeland Security showing your current work authorization.
Who Cannot Use Form SS-5
- People who have reached the lifetime limit of 10 replacement cards without extenuating circumstances
- People who cannot provide required original or certified identity and citizenship documents
- Non-citizens without any form of lawful immigration status or documented non-work reason
- People applying from outside the United States — must apply in person at a US embassy, consulate, or Federal Benefits Unit abroad
Form SS-5 Fee Breakdown (2026)
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| First-time Social Security card | Free |
| Replacement card (lost, stolen, damaged) | Free |
| Corrected card (name change, date of birth correction) | Free |
| Expedited processing | Not available |
There is no fee whatsoever. Be cautious of any third-party websites or services that charge a fee to help you apply — the SSA provides this service at no cost directly through ssa.gov.
How to Apply — Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 — Download the Latest Version of Form SS-5
Download the current version directly from the official SSA website. Always use the latest version to avoid having your application returned. You can also pick up a physical copy at any local SSA office.
Step 2 — Sections 1 to 3: Your Full Legal Name
Enter your full legal name in order: first, middle, last. If applying for a corrected card due to a name change, enter your new legal name. Write the name exactly as it should appear printed on your card.
Step 3 — Sections 4 to 6: Other Names and Existing SSN
If you have ever used another name, enter it in Section 4. Enter your existing Social Security Number in Section 5 if you already have one. Leave Section 5 blank only if you have never been issued an SSN.
Step 4 — Sections 7 to 10: Citizenship and Birth Information
Select your citizenship status in Section 7. Enter your date of birth, place of birth, and your mother’s and father’s full legal names as they appear on your birth certificate. Accuracy here is critical — this information becomes part of your permanent SSA record.
Step 5 — Sections 11 to 13: Optional Information
Sections for sex, race, and ethnicity are optional and used only for statistical purposes. Your answer or non-answer does not affect your eligibility or the processing of your application in any way.
Step 6 — Sections 14 to 16: Contact Info and Application Type
Enter your daytime phone number and the mailing address where your card should be sent. In Section 16, indicate whether you are applying for an original card, a replacement, or a corrected card. This determines which documents you need to include.
Step 7 — Sign and Date the Form
Sign and date the form in black or blue ink after completing every section. If you are applying on behalf of a child or another person, sign as the parent, guardian, or legal representative and complete the relationship field. Do not sign before the form is fully completed.
Step 8 — Assemble Your Application Package
Gather your completed Form SS-5 along with all required original or certified documents. Do not staple documents to the form. The SSA will return all original documents to you by mail after processing — do not send copies you cannot replace.
Step 9 — Submit Your Application
Online (oSSNAP): If you qualify under the 2026 streamlined process, apply entirely online at ssa.gov/number-card.
By Mail: Mail your completed Form SS-5 and original documents to your local SSA Card Center. Find your nearest location at ssa.gov/locator.
In Person: Visit your local SSA office with your completed form and original documents. First-time applicants age 12 and older must apply in person. Book an appointment by calling 1-800-772-1213 or scheduling online at ssa.gov.
What Happens After You Submit?
SSA Reviews Your Application and Documents
Once your application is received, an SSA technician reviews your documents and verifies your information. If anything is missing or unclear, they will contact you by mail or phone. If you submitted original documents by mail, the SSA will process and return them separately from your card.
USCIS Verification for Non-Citizens
If you are a non-citizen, the SSA must verify your immigration status with USCIS before processing your application. This additional step can add 2 to 4 weeks or longer to your processing time, depending on how quickly USCIS responds to the verification request.
Your Social Security Card Is Mailed to You
Once approved, your new Social Security card is mailed to the address provided on your form. Standard processing takes 7 to 14 business days. Under the 2026 online streamlined process, eligible applicants receive their card within 5 to 10 business days. The SSA does not provide online tracking for SS-5 applications — if your card has not arrived after 4 weeks, call 1-800-772-1213.
Processing Times in 2026
| Application Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Online (oSSNAP — eligible applicants) | 5–10 business days |
| By mail (standard) | 7–14 business days |
| In person at SSA office | 7–14 business days after visit |
| Non-citizen (USCIS verification required) | 2–4 weeks or longer |
Can You Apply for a Social Security Card Online in 2026?
Yes — but only if you qualify. The SSA’s oSSNAP system allows eligible adults to apply online without visiting an office or mailing original documents. Only applicants with a US mailing address are eligible. You qualify if you are a US citizen requesting a replacement card with no changes, or a name change due to marriage, AND you have a valid state-issued driver’s license or ID from a participating state. First-time applicants, non-citizens, and those needing other corrections must apply by mail or in person. Start the process at ssa.gov/number-card.
Also read our complete guide on: I-485 Form: How to Apply for a US Green Card — Complete 2026 Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Form SS-5
How many replacement Social Security cards can I get?
The SSA limits replacement cards to 3 per year and 10 in a lifetime. Cards issued for extenuating circumstances — such as identity theft with a documented police report — do not count against this limit.
Can I apply for a Social Security card online?
Yes, but only under specific 2026 criteria. You must be a US citizen requesting a replacement or marriage-name-change card, have a valid state ID from a participating state, and have a US mailing address. First-time applicants and non-citizens must apply in person or by mail.
What documents do I need to replace a lost Social Security card?
You need one document proving your identity — such as a US driver’s license, state-issued ID, or US passport. If you were born outside the US, you also need proof of US citizenship or current lawful immigration status.
Is there a fee to apply for a Social Security card?
No. Applying for, replacing, or correcting a Social Security card is completely free. Any website or service charging a fee is not affiliated with the SSA and should be avoided.
How long does it take to receive a replacement Social Security card?
Standard processing takes 7 to 14 business days after your application is processed. Online applicants who qualify under the 2026 streamlined process receive their card in 5 to 10 business days.
Can a parent apply for a Social Security card for their child?
Yes. Parents or legal guardians can apply on behalf of a minor child using Form SS-5. You will need the child’s birth certificate, proof of the child’s identity, and your own identity document. Many hospitals also offer to submit an SSN application on behalf of newborns directly after birth.
Official Links — Download Form SS-5 and Related Resources
- 📥 Download Form SS-5 — Official SSA PDF
- 🌐 Apply Online (oSSNAP) — Check eligibility and apply online
- 📍 Find Your Local SSA Office — Office locator by zip code
- 📋 All SSA Forms — Complete SSA forms directory
- 🔒 My Social Security Account — Manage your SSA record online
Disclaimer
ApplicationFormPortal.us is an independent directory platform and is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or any US government agency. The information in this guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or official advice. SSA processes, eligibility rules, and document requirements are subject to change. Always verify current information at the official SSA website at ssa.gov before submitting your application.
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