Documents You Need to Replace a Social Security Card
A clear list of identity, citizenship, and name-change documents the SSA accepts — based on official SSA guidance.
The short answer
- Identity: A U.S. driver's license, state-issued ID, or U.S. passport.
- Citizenship: Only required if your U.S. citizenship is not already on record with SSA.
- Name change: Required if you're changing your name (marriage, divorce, or court order).
- All documents must be originals or certified copies — SSA does not accept photocopies or notarized copies.
Proof of identity
SSA generally accepts one of these as proof of identity:
- U.S. driver's license
- State-issued non-driver identification card
- U.S. passport
If none of those is available — and you can't get one within 10 days — SSA may accept other current documents that show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age), and preferably a recent photo:
- Employee identification card
- School identification card
- Health insurance card (not a Medicare card)
- U.S. military identification card
All identity documents must be current (not expired).
Proof of U.S. citizenship
Only required if your U.S. citizenship isn't already on record with SSA. Accepted documents include:
- U.S. passport
- Certificate of Naturalization (N-550 / N-570)
- Certificate of Citizenship (N-560 / N-561)
- Certificate of Report of Birth (DS-1350)
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240, CRBA)
U.S. birth certificates are also commonly accepted as proof of citizenship — confirm acceptable formats with SSA.
Proof of legal name change
If your card's name is changing, you'll need official proof, such as:
- Marriage document
- Divorce decree
- Certificate of Naturalization showing the new name
- Court order approving the name change
If your name changed a while ago
If the name-change document doesn't clearly identify you in SSA records — or if the change was more than 2 years ago (4 years if under 18) — SSA may also ask for an identity document in your prior name. An identity document in the old name may be expired.
If you don't have an identity document in the old name, an unexpired ID in the new name may be accepted, provided identity can be verified in SSA records.
If you're applying for someone else
If you're filing on behalf of a child, a relative, or another person, SSA may ask for documents showing custody or responsibility, including:
- Court custody documentation
- Letter from a state social service placing the person in your household
- Other documents that show your relationship and responsibility
If the person is physically or mentally unable to apply, SSA may also ask for a doctor's certification.
Form SS-5
When applying by mail or in person, you'll submit Form SS-5, the Application for a Social Security Card.