Social security online application for social security card

June 3, 2022 • By

Last Updated: June 3, 2022

We now have a new – and faster – way for you to start online.

When you go to our Social Security Number and Card webpage, we now ask you a series of questions to determine whether you can:

• Complete the application process online.
• Start the application process online, then bring any required documents to your local office to complete the application, typically in less time.

Once you complete your application (online or in-person), we will mail the card after we process the application. Please understand that we don’t issue cards at our offices.

Check your local office’s status

If you need to visit an office, we encourage you to first check the office’s status at our Office Closings and Emergencies page. Our offices tend to be the busiest in the morning, early in the week, and during the early part of the month. You may want to plan to visit at other times. 

Finish your application in the office

If you need to visit an office, please follow these steps to complete the application:

1. Learn what types of documents you need to bring to your local office.
2. Print and save the online control number shown once you complete the online application.
3. Bring the online control number – along with the documents – to your local office within 45 days to finish your application. Find your local office using our Office Locator.
4. Check-in at the kiosk when you arrive.
5. Meet with one of our employees to verify the information that you completed online, and to review the documentation.

That’s it! You’ll receive the card in the mail, usually within 7 – 10 business days.

We’re continuously expanding our services to put you in control and help you secure today and tomorrow for you and your family. Please share this information with your friends and family – and post it on social media.

Tags: social security, Social Security benefits, Social Security card

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About the Author

If you currently reside in the United States and plan to apply for work authorization or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) Status from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), you will also need a Social Security Number (SSN). Your SSN allows employers to report your earnings to the United States government.

To save you a trip to the Social Security Office you can now apply for an original SSN or (replacement SSN card) on the same application form you will use to apply for permission to work legally in the U.S. You can also apply for your original SSN and replacement SSN card when you apply for lawful permanent resident status.

Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization

If you apply for work authorization using the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization and you completed the section on the application to request an SSN card, then USCIS will send us the data we need to issue your original SSN or SSN replacement Card. If you apply for an SSN card using Form I-765, you do not have to contact a Social Security office to apply for an SSN card. If USCIS approves your application, you will receive two documents - your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also known as the "USCIS I-765 card" or "work permit", and in another envelope your SSN card. We will mail your SSN card to the address you listed on your I-765 application. You should receive your SSN card no later than seven business days after you receive your EAD from USCIS.

Form I-485 – Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

We have worked with DHS and USCIS to provide an opportunity for applicants to use form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) to apply for an original SSN and SSN replacement card. If you complete the section on the application to request an SSN card, then USCIS will send us the data we need to issue your original SSN or SSN replacement card. If you apply for an SSN card using Form I-485, you do not have to contact a Social Security office to apply for an SSN card. If USCIS approves your application for LPR status - Your Lawful Permanent Resident Card or "USCIS I-551" or "green card", we will mail your SSN card or replacement card to the address listed on your I-485 application.

If You Do Not Receive Your SSN Card that You Requested on Your I-765 or I-485 – Contact a Social Security Office

Please contact a Social Security office if you do not receive your SSN card within seven business
days after receiving your EAD or "Green Card". Please have this flyer and your EAD or "Green Card" as it may help us answer your questions.

How to Locate a Social Security Office

To locate a Social Security office you may visit our website: Field Office Locator | SSA, or call our toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 to ask for an office near you.

If You Did Not Request an SSN While Completing Your I-765 or I-485 – Call a Social Security Office.

If you did not request an SSN card on your I-765, “Application for Employment Authorization” or I-485 "Application for Lawful Permanent Residency or to adjust Status", you must contact a Social Security office to apply for your SSN and card AFTER you receive your Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766) or LPR card or (Form I-551) from USCIS.

When you contact a Social Security office to apply for an SSN card, please have the following ORIGINAL documents with you (we do not accept photocopies or notarized documents):

• Your Form I-766 to prove your immigration status and that you can work in the U.S., - or
• Your Form I-551 or Permanent Resident Card (PRC) to prove your immigration status.
• Your birth certificate to prove your age. If you do not have a birth certificate or you cannot obtain it in 10 business days, we may accept your foreign passport, U.S. military record, or religious record showing your age or date of birth.

If You Need Help Completing the Social Security Number Application (SS-5)

If you need help filling out the SS-5, a Social Security representative will help you.

Timeline for Receiving Your SSN Card If You Visited a Social Security Office

If you did not request an SSN while completing your I-765 or I-485. You should receive your SSN card within two weeks after we have everything we need to process your application, including verification of your immigration document with the USCIS. If we are unable to immediately verify your immigration document with the USCIS, it may take two additional weeks to receive your card.

Your Information and Privacy

Sections 205(c) and 702 of the Social Security Act authorize SSA to collect information
to assign you a Social Security number (SSN) and issue you a Social Security card. The information you furnish is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information may prevent us from issuing you an SSN and Social Security card. The information you provide us is confidential. This means that we do not share your information except as permitted under the law. For example, we may share information with other government agencies as allowed by the Privacy Act. SSA will maintain the information used to assign you an SSN and issue you a Social Security card in SSA's system of records Master Files of Social Security Number (SSN) Holders and SSN Applications, 60-0058. Complete lists of approved routine uses for the information used to assign you an SSN and issue you a Social Security card are available in the System of Records Notice 60-0058, available at //www.ssa.gov.  For more information about this, please contact us.