A Faster and More Convenient Way to Request a Social Security Number and Card
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: April 18, 2025
Do you need an original Social Security number or a replacement Social Security card? We offer a faster and more convenient way for you to start – and possibly finish – the application online.
When you visit our Social Security number and card page, we’ll ask you a few questions to determine the best way for you to apply. You may be able to:
- Complete the application online.
- Start the application online, self-schedule an appointment, then bring any required documents to your local Social Security office or card center to complete the process.
- Schedule an in-office appointment to complete your application. If you are not able to use our online option or you do not get the option to schedule an appointment online, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment at a local office or card center.
By starting the application online, your in-office visit will typically take less time.
Note: We have recently expanded appointment-based services as part of our ongoing efforts to serve you more efficiently. If you need to visit a local Social Security office or card center, please make an appointment.
Finish your application in the office
Before your visit to complete your application, please follow these steps:
- Determine what documents you need to bring with you. They must be originals or certified copies.
- Follow directions at the kiosk when you arrive at the office. Our Mobile Check-in Express makes it easier to check in. To use Mobile Check-in Express, scan the QR code posted near the entrance and turn on your mobile notifications. We’ll alert you when we’re ready to help you.
- Meet with one of our employees who will verify the information you submitted online and review your documents. We don’t need to keep them.
That’s it! Whether you apply for a Social Security card online or at an office, we’ll process the application and mail a card to you, usually within 14 business days.
For more helpful information, watch our videos:
- Your Social Security Number & Card: What You Need to Know.
- Cards for U.S. Citizens – Children.
- Cards for Non-U.S. Citizens – Adults.
Please share this information with your friends and family – and post it on social media.
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Tags: General Information, online services, Social Security card
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Harmony A.
I am extremely disappointed with how my claim for disability has been handled altogether. It took me 49 months to even get my case approved and had to take it all the way to an administrative law judge for a hearing before finally getting approved 12/17/2024. It was then kicked back to local office to finalize which took another 30 days. They determined my onset was all the way back to July of 2020 and began monthly payments at the end of January this year. I have been getting regular monthly payments for 6 months now and was told by the lady from the local office what the amount of my back pay would be and was told it was sent to the payment center to be processed and payed out. Well I still have yet to see any of the back pay I am due for the 49 months I fought to have my case approved and I have called and called and called to no avail. Always met with the same response of it’s a process it just takes time there is nothing we can do and we can’t contact them to see what is the hold up you just have to wait call back in 30 days. Well I’ve been calling back every 30 days for 6 months this is unacceptable. Especially seeing as how my benefit amounts were already calculated and weret affected by the WEP or GOP programs. My case is simple yet no one can give me a straight or simple response or resolution. I’ve even reach out to my state congressman for help getting them to release my back pay. Meanwhile I’m about to have my electric go off and I haven’t had a refrigerator for 8 months now as I’m waiting for that back pay in order to be able to get a new one. My monthly benefits don’t even cover all my bills and I’m borrowing against next month every month