Having a social security card is essential for accessing many aspects of American life, and sometimes you may need to replace yours. Whether your card was lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for a new one. Here are some tips to help you through the process.
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Steps to get new social security card
1. Gather Necessary Documents:
In order to get a new social security card, you must provide certain documentation that proves your identity and U.S. citizenship or current immigration status. These documents include a valid driver’s license, state-issued identification card, passport, birth certificate, and/or U.S. military card.
2. Determine Your Eligibility:
You must be eligible for a new Social Security card in order to obtain one. This means that you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, have a valid Social Security number (SSN), and meet certain age requirements.
3. Complete an Application:
The next step is to complete an application for a Social Security card. This can be done online, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office. The application requires you to provide information such as your full name, date of birth, address, and contact information.
4. Submit Required Documentation:
Once you have completed the application, you must submit the necessary documents that prove your eligibility. This includes your driver’s license, state-issued identification card, passport, birth certificate, and/or U.S. military card.
5. Pay the Fee:
The final step is to pay the fee for a new Social Security card. The fee is $22.20, but may vary depending on the type of document that you are submitting.
6. Wait for Your Card:
Once you have paid the fee and submitted the required documents, all you can do is wait for your new Social Security card to arrive in the mail. It typically takes about two weeks for the card to arrive.
7. Activate Your Card:
Once you receive your new Social Security card, you must activate it in order to use it. This can be done online or by phone.
Documents required to apply for new social security card
When applying for a new Social Security card, the applicant must present certain documents to prove identity and citizenship or immigration status. Depending on the situation, additional documents may also be required.
The most common document that is required to apply for a Social Security card is a form of identification. This can include a driver’s license, state-issued identification card, U.S. passport, or military identification card.
If none of these forms of identification are available, then two other forms of identification such as a birth certificate, school ID card, health insurance card, employee ID card, or marriage certificate can be used.
In addition to a form of identification, proof of U.S. citizenship or immigration status must also be presented. For U.S. citizens, this can be a birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship.
For non-U.S. citizens, proof of immigration status must be presented such as an Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551), Temporary Resident Card (Form I-688), Reentry Permit (Form I-327), or Employment Authorization Card (Form I-766).
If the applicant is under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must accompany them to the Social Security Administration office and provide proof of their own identity as well as proof of the applicant’s identity.
If the applicant has legally changed their name, they must present official documentation of the name change such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, or court order.
In some cases, additional documents may be requested to verify identity and/or citizenship or immigration status. The Social Security Administration may ask for a copy of the applicant’s Social Security card if they have one, W-2 forms, SSA-1099 forms, or non-work income statements.
Finally, applicants must also fill out and sign an application for a Social Security card (Form SS-5). The form is available online at the Social Security Administration website.
What does the letter on the back of your social security card mean
The letter on the back of a Social Security card indicates the issuing state or U.S. territory where the card was issued.
