The U.S. government offers Social Security Numbers (SSNs) to individuals to facilitate access to important financial, legal, and employment-related services. For certain situations, such as obtaining a new SSN, replacing a lost card, or correcting personal information, individuals must use a specialized form to apply for or update their Social Security card.
Form SS-5, titled “Application for a Social Security Card,” is a government document used to apply for a new Social Security Number, request a replacement card, or update/change the information associated with an existing SSN (e.g., name changes after marriage or corrections to birth date). This form is submitted directly to the Social Security Administration (SSA) for processing.
Individuals use Social Security form SS-5 when they need to:
Apply for a Social Security Number for the first time (e.g., for a newborn child or newly naturalized citizen).
Replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Social Security card.
Change or update personal information, such as name, citizenship status, or date of birth, on an existing Social Security card.
Request a replacement card due to legal name changes following marriage, divorce, or court order.
Filing the SS-5 form ensures that individuals remain compliant with federal identification requirements and can access governmental or financial benefits tied to their SSN.
Several parties may contribute to the completion and submission of the SS-5 application: