Form SS-5 - Application for a Social Security Card

Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, is the form you submit to the Social Security Administration to apply for an original Social Security card, a replacement card, or a corrected card. You use Form SS-5 to obtain a Social Security number for the first time, to replace a lost or stolen card, or to change the name or other information on your record after events such as marriage, divorce, or a legal name change. The application requires proof of identity, U.S. citizenship or work-authorized immigration status, and, for name changes, evidence of the change such as a marriage certificate or court order. There is no fee to apply for or replace a Social Security card. Because a Social Security number is needed for employment, tax reporting, and many financial and government purposes, Form SS-5 is the gateway to obtaining or updating that record with the Social Security Administration through original, replacement, or correction requests.

Submitting Form SS-5 requires original documents or certified copies that prove your identity, age, and U.S. citizenship or lawful work-authorized status, with the specific documents depending on the type of request. For an original card, U.S.-born applicants typically provide proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate or passport and proof of identity such as a driver's license or state ID. Noncitizens provide immigration documents showing lawful status and work authorization. For a name change, you also provide a document evidencing the legal change, such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, along with proof of identity. The Social Security Administration accepts only originals or copies certified by the issuing agency, not photocopies, and returns your documents. Because the required documents vary by citizenship status and the type of request, you should confirm the current list for your situation before applying, so your Form SS-5 is not delayed for missing or unacceptable proof.

To replace a lost or stolen Social Security card, you complete Form SS-5 and provide proof of your identity, and in many states you can request a replacement online through a my Social Security account without filing the paper form. There is no fee to replace a card, and you are generally limited to three replacement cards in a year and ten in a lifetime, with exceptions for name changes and certain situations. A replacement card shows the same number you already have; you do not receive a new number simply because the card was lost. You can mail Form SS-5 with your documents or take them to a Social Security office. Because you usually do not need the physical card for most purposes once you know your number, you should weigh whether a replacement is necessary. If your card was stolen and you suspect identity theft, you should also take steps to protect your credit and monitor for misuse of your number.

There is no fee to apply for an original, replacement, or corrected Social Security card using Form SS-5; the Social Security Administration provides the service free of charge. You should be cautious of third-party websites or services that offer to obtain a card for a fee, because applying directly through the Social Security Administration costs nothing. To apply, you submit the completed Form SS-5 with the required original documents either by mail or in person at a Social Security office, and in many cases you can request a replacement card online for free through a my Social Security account. The card itself and the assignment of a Social Security number carry no charge. Because the process is free when done directly, paying a third party is unnecessary. If you encounter a site charging for a Social Security card application, recognize that the official process through Form SS-5 and the Social Security Administration is available at no cost to you.

You can change the name on your Social Security record and card using Form SS-5 by submitting the application with documents proving the legal name change and your identity. Common reasons for a name change include marriage, divorce, or a court-ordered change, and you must provide evidence such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing both the old and new names. You also provide proof of identity, and if the name-change document does not adequately establish identity, you may need an additional identity document. There is no fee for the corrected card, which keeps your same Social Security number. Updating your name with the Social Security Administration is important because employers report wages under your number and name, and a mismatch can cause problems with tax records and earnings credit. Because accurate records ensure your earnings are properly credited, you should file Form SS-5 to update your name promptly after a legal change.