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Social Security cards do not expire. There is no expiration date on the card, no renewal process, and no action required to keep it valid. Your Social Security number is yours for life and never changes — even if you replace the physical card.
Quick answer: Social Security cards do not have an expiration date
Your Social Security card is valid for life. There is no renewal process, no expiration date printed on the card, and no action required to keep it valid.
This confuses many people because nearly every other government-issued ID does expire — driver’s licenses, passports, state IDs. The Social Security card is different. It is not an identity document in the traditional sense. It is a record that links your name to your nine-digit Social Security number, and that number is yours permanently.
What does expire or need updating
While the card itself does not expire, there are situations where your card may need to be replaced or updated:
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Card is lost or stolen | Request a free replacement from the SSA |
| Card is damaged or unreadable | Request a free replacement from the SSA |
| Your legal name changed (marriage, divorce, court order) | Update your SSA record and get a new card with your new name |
| Card is laminated (older cards) | Optional: the SSA advises against lamination — you can request a replacement |
| Your immigration or work authorization status changed | Contact the SSA to update the legend on your card |
In none of these cases does your Social Security number change. A replacement card simply gives you a new physical copy showing the same number.
How many times can you replace your Social Security card?
Replacement cards are free, but federal law limits how many you can request:
- Maximum 3 replacement cards per calendar year
- Maximum 10 replacement cards in your lifetime
These limits are set by the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act (Public Law 108-458) and tracked by the SSA’s enumeration system.
Important exceptions — these do NOT count toward your limits:
- Cards issued after a legal name change (marriage, divorce, court order)
- Cards updated due to a change in immigration or work authorization status
The SSA may also make exceptions in cases of significant hardship, such as when a government social services agency requires you to show a Social Security card to receive benefits.
How to get a replacement Social Security card
Replacement cards are free. The SSA offers three ways to request one:
Option 1: Online (fastest, if eligible)
Most adult U.S. citizens can apply online through a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. You need a valid driver’s license or state ID from a participating state. After approval, the card arrives by mail in 5–14 business days.
You cannot use the online option if:
- You need to change your name, date of birth, or other identifying information
- You do not have a valid driver’s license or state ID from a participating state
- You are not a U.S. citizen
- You do not have a U.S. mailing address
Option 2: By mail
Complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card), available at ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf. Mail the completed form along with original documents (or certified copies) proving your identity. The SSA returns all documents after processing.
Option 3: In person at an SSA office
Bring your completed Form SS-5 and original identity documents to your nearest Social Security office. To find your local office: ssa.gov/locator. Phone: 1-800-772-1213 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–7 p.m.).
What documents do you need?
To replace a Social Security card, you need at least one document proving your identity. Acceptable documents include:
- U.S. driver’s license
- State-issued ID card
- U.S. passport or passport card
The SSA only accepts original documents or certified copies. Photocopies and notarized copies are not accepted. All submitted documents are returned to you after processing.
If you were born outside the U.S., you must also provide proof of U.S. citizenship or current lawful immigration status.
Will my Social Security number change if I get a replacement card?
No. Your Social Security number is permanent. A replacement card is simply a new physical copy showing the same number. The SSA only issues a new Social Security number in extremely rare circumstances — such as documented ongoing identity theft that cannot be resolved any other way.
Do I actually need the physical card?
In most situations, no. The vast majority of employers, banks, and government agencies only need your Social Security number — not the physical card. You are generally not required to carry your card with you. The SSA actually recommends keeping it in a secure place at home rather than in your wallet, to reduce the risk of theft.
Situations where you may need the physical card:
- Some employers require it during the I-9 employment verification process
- Certain government benefit applications may request it
- Some states require it when applying for certain programs
Scam warning: no one can charge you for a Social Security card
Warning: Replacement Social Security cards are always free from the SSA. If any website, service, or person offers to get you a replacement card faster for a fee, it is a scam. The SSA never charges for card replacement.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Social Security card expire?
No. Social Security cards do not expire and do not have an expiration date. Your card is valid for your entire lifetime. Your Social Security number also never changes. The only reason to get a new card is if your current one is lost, stolen, or damaged, or if your legal name changes.
How do I know if my Social Security card is still valid?
If the name and Social Security number on your card are correct and match your current legal information, your card is valid — regardless of its age or how worn it looks. There is no expiration date to check. If your legal name has changed, you may want to update your record and get a new card, but your existing card remains valid for benefit and tax purposes.
How many times can you replace a Social Security card?
Federal law limits most people to 3 replacement cards per calendar year and 10 replacement cards in a lifetime. Name changes and immigration status updates do not count toward these limits. The SSA may make exceptions in cases of documented hardship.
How much does a Social Security card replacement cost?
Nothing. Replacement Social Security cards are completely free. The SSA never charges for issuing or replacing a card. Be cautious of any third-party service that asks for payment to help you get a replacement card.
Can I get a replacement Social Security card online?
Yes, if you are an adult U.S. citizen with a valid driver’s license or state ID from a participating state and a U.S. mailing address. Apply through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. If you are not eligible for the online option, you can apply by mail or in person at your local SSA office.
Does my Social Security number change when I get a replacement card?
No. Your Social Security number is permanent and does not change when you get a replacement card. The replacement is simply a new physical copy of the card showing the same number. The SSA only assigns a different Social Security number in extremely rare circumstances involving documented, unresolvable identity theft.
My Social Security card looks old and faded — do I need a new one?
Not necessarily. A worn or faded card is still valid as long as the name and number are still readable and correct. If the information is no longer legible, you can request a free replacement. Many people also laminated older cards — the SSA now advises against lamination because it can interfere with security features, but a laminated card is still valid.