Application for a Social Security Card

The Application for a Social Security Card (SS-5) can be used by anyone who has never been issued a card, needs a replacement card or has changed his or her name. THIS SERVICE IS FREE. But before you go on to the form, please read through the rest of this page.

How to Obtain the Form

After you download the Adobe Acrobat Reader, come back to this page and download the PDF version of the SS-5:

SS-5 in

SSA forms must be printed on 8 1/2" x 11" white paper. You must print the form with blue or black ink to be acceptable to SSA.

NOTE: if you live abroad, and cannot obtain 8.5 x 11 paper, the use of A4 size paper (8.25 x 11.7) is the only acceptable alternative.

How to Complete the Form

Complete the SS-5 using the instructions on page 1 of the form. See pages 2 and 3 of the form for the evidence that you will need to submit with your application.

Finally, take or mail the SS-5 to the nearest Social Security office. Be sure to take or mail the originals or certified copies of your supporting documents along with the form. We will return your original documents right away. Once we have everything we need, we will send your Social Security Card in about two weeks.

If you are not sure where your local office is located, try our Social Security Office Locator service or call 1-800-772-1213.

NOTE:  In order to enhance public service and strengthen the integrity of the Social Security Number, the Social Security Administration opened the Brooklyn (New York) Social Security Card Center on November 13, 2002. The center, located at 625 Fulton Street in downtown Brooklyn NY, is the only location where residents of Brooklyn - both U.S. citizens and noncitizens - can apply for an original Social Security Number or for a replacement card.