The Smart, Fast Way to Apply for a Social Security Card

Every year, millions of people apply for Social Security cards. Some of the applicants are applying for their very first card ever. Others are attempting to simply get a replacement card for one that they’ve lost or one that has been stolen. The official process is not as easy as it sounds, especially for those who don’t understand how the bureaucracy of the Social Security Administration works.

There are very specific steps for applying for either a new or replacement card. Anyone who does not follow those steps exactly right will receive a rejection from the Social Security Administration (SSA). We are not affiliated with the SSA and you can get the forms for free by dealing with them directly. However, if you would like to streamline the process we are here to help!

There’s more to the application process than most people think. For example, it’s not as simple as filling out a quick form and sending it in to the SSA. Some applicants even travel to their local SSA office in hopes of speeding up the process. That rarely works because even if applicants are lucky enough to get the official SS-5 form filled out correctly, they still need to submit several documents to prove age, resident or immigration status and identity.

The SSA requires original documents as proof of all those things. In some cases they will accept certified copies of originals. Filing at the SSA local office can actually delay approval time because the local SSA officials might not send application packets to the national office immediately.

Here are the steps to follow for obtaining a new Social Security card:

STEP ONE: Understand that the SSA required proof of citizenship, age and identity for those who want a new Social Security card.

STEP TWO: Documents need to be valid, current originals. Never use photocopies, certified, outdated or invalid documents. If necessary, you can use certified copies of required documents, according to the Social Security Administration.

STEP THREE: For citizens, SSA will only accept a valid, current U.S. passport or a birth certificate as proof of identity.

STEP FOUR: To prove age, people over the age of 12 much appear in person at a Social Security office and present their birth certificate. For people who don’t have a birth certificate, the SSA will accept a religious record made before age 5, a hospital birth record, or a valid, current U.S. passport.

STEP FIVE: To prove identity, applicants must show a current, valid document that includes the person’s age (or date of birth), name, and preferably a photo. SSA tends to accept the following as proof of age: a valid, current U.S. driver’s license. A valid, current U.S. state ID card, or a valid, current U.S. passport.

STEP SIX: Applicants who don’t have any of the documents listed in step five, above, can possibly fulfill the SSA requirements for identity with a school ID, an employee ID, a non-Medicare health insurance card, or a U.S. military ID card.

STEP SEVEN: Note that even for those who must appear at the Social Security office in person, it helps to already have an SS-5 form filled out correctly. SSA office staff are not always available to help applicants fill out the forms, which results in many rejections for new and replacement card applicants.

Here are the steps for obtaining a replacement Social Security card:

STEP ONE: Understand that getting a replacement SS card is not as difficult as getting a new one. You don’t have to have as many documents. You only need to prove identity and citizenship, not age.

STEP TWO: For proof of citizenship, applicants need to show either a U.S. passport or a valid U.S. birth certificate.

STEP THREE: For proof of identity, applicants need to show the same documentation as noted above in steps five and six.

For those brand new to the process,here are some helpful tips to keep in mind:

Application for Social Security Card Tips

1. We recommend to use professional assistance when trying to get a new or replacement SS card.

2. Never make photocopies of the necessary documents. If you are not able to send originals, get certified originals and send those. The SSA will return all your documents when they send you your card, so there’s no need to worry about losing your important data.

3. Don’t rush. If you are working with a group of professionals, all you’ll need to do is provide the essential personal data via an online form. Experts who understand the process can help you figure out exactly which forms to send in. There’s no need to send everything you have. The SSA only asks for certain documents. In many cases, you might just need to send in two documents.

4. Don’t try to do everything alone, especially if this is your first time applying for a replacement or new Social Security card.

5. NEVER lie on any form you fill out for the SSA, and only provide your own documents. Providing false information or using someone else’s documents is a serious crime. Accept guidance from reliable experts about how to fill out the SS-5 and include the right documents.

6. If English is not your native language, it helps greatly to have a friend who can translate for you. That way, you and your friend can work with a team of professionals and get the entire package to SSA as quickly as possible and minimize your wait time for the new or replacement card.

7. Don’t be impatient after sending the application. If all goes well, people typically have their replacement cards within two or three weeks and their new cards within four to six weeks. However, if you go the “do-it-yourself” route and make even one mistake on the forms, or fail to include all the correct documents, there could be major delays. In fact, mistakes lead to something much worse than a delay in most cases. Mistakes lead to rejection of your application.

8. Be confident. Do the right thing. Get professional help, and have a positive attitude. Your new or replacement Social Security card is only a few weeks away.