A Social Security card is needed for work, benefits and many identity checks. Form SS-5 is the application the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses for a new card, a replacement card, or a change to the information on your record. Here is how it works.
What SS-5 is for
- An original Social Security number and card, for someone who has never had one.
- A replacement card, if yours is lost or damaged.
- A correction or update to the information on your record, such as a name change after marriage.
It is free
The SSA does not charge to apply for, replace or correct a card. Be wary of websites that charge a fee to "help" you with the application. You can use the SSA's own forms and services at no cost.
What you need to bring
The SSA asks for evidence of who you are and, depending on your situation, your age and your citizenship or immigration status. It generally needs original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency. It does not accept photocopies or notarized copies, and it returns your documents after review. The exact list of acceptable documents is on the SSA website, so check it for your case before you go.
What the form asks
- Your name as it should appear on the card, and any other names you have used.
- Your date and place of birth, and your parents' names.
- Whether you want a new card, a replacement, or a correction.
- Your mailing address and contact details.
- Your signature. Sign in ink, and only sign for someone else if the instructions allow it, for example for a child.
How to submit it
You generally take or mail the completed form with your original documents to the SSA. Some people can replace a card without a paper form, using the SSA's online services, if they are eligible. The SSA also limits how many replacement cards you can receive, so check the current rules.
Keep your number safe
A Social Security number is one of the most sensitive details you have. Avoid emailing a filled-in SS-5 or uploading it to sites that store files. DocZap fills it in inside your browser, so what you type is not sent to a server, but treat the downloaded file carefully.
Common mistakes
- Using a name that does not match your identity documents.
- Sending photocopies instead of originals or certified copies.
- Paying a third party for something that is free.
- Forgetting to sign the form.
Fill it in without uploading it
Form SS-5 opens in DocZap with its fields ready to type into, and what you enter stays in your browser, so nothing is uploaded. Print it afterwards if you are submitting it on paper, and keep a record of what you sent. Download your copy when you are done.
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