Fill Form SS-5 Online — Social Security Card Application
Application for a Social Security Card — for new cards, replacements, and name or information changes. Fill the official SSA form in your browser, then print and take it to your local SSA office with your original documents.
Official source: ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf
How to Fill Out Form SS-5 Online for Free
1. Open Form SS-5
Click "Fill SS-5 Free" above. The official SSA PDF opens instantly in the PDF Edit editor — no download, no install, no account needed.
2. Complete All Fields
Enter your full legal name, date and place of birth, mother's birth name, parents' SSNs (if known), your citizenship or immigration status, and your existing SSN if you're requesting a replacement or correction.
3. Sign the Form
Sign the form using PDF Edit's signature tool. Applicants under 18 may need a parent or legal guardian to sign on their behalf. Applicants under 12 must appear in person with a parent.
4. Print and Submit to SSA
Print the completed SS-5 and bring it to your local Social Security Administration office along with your original identity, age, and citizenship or immigration documents. Originals are required — copies are not accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions — Form SS-5
What is Form SS-5?
Form SS-5 is the Social Security Administration's application form for a Social Security card. You use it to apply for a new card (if you've never had one), to replace a lost or damaged card, or to update your name or correct information on an existing card and record.
Do I need to go to the SSA office in person?
Usually yes. The SSA requires original documents to verify your identity, age, and citizenship or immigration status. Most applicants present these in person at a local SSA office. In some cases, you may be able to mail original documents — they are returned after processing — but check the SSA website to confirm whether your situation qualifies for mail submission.
What documents do I need?
You must provide originals (not copies) proving: your age (typically a birth certificate), your identity (driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, or other SSA-accepted government photo ID), and your U.S. citizenship or immigration status. For a name change, also bring the document establishing the legal name change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.
How many replacement cards can I get?
The SSA limits replacement Social Security cards to 3 per calendar year and 10 in a lifetime. These limits don't apply if you're changing your name due to marriage, divorce, or a legal name change, or if the SSA made an error on your card or record.
Is there a fee for a Social Security card?
No. Social Security cards are always free from the SSA. If any website charges you a fee to "process" an SS-5 or obtain your card, it is not an official SSA service.
How long does it take to receive the card?
After the SSA approves your application, your card typically arrives by mail within 10 to 14 business days. More complex applications — or those requiring additional document verification — may take longer.
Can I fill out the SS-5 online and submit electronically?
As of 2026, the SSA requires in-person or mail submission of the SS-5 with original supporting documents. The SSA does not accept fully electronic submissions of Form SS-5. PDF Edit helps you fill out the form accurately before printing it for submission.
Is this the official SSA Form SS-5?
Yes. PDF Edit loads the SS-5 PDF directly from ssa.gov. We do not recreate or modify the form. Always confirm you have the current version before submitting, as the SSA periodically updates its forms.
About Form SS-5
Three Use Cases
New card: For people who have never had an SSN — newborns, immigrants newly authorized to work, and others. Replacement: For those whose card was lost, stolen, or damaged. Correction/Name change: For those who need to update their name or other information after a legal name change.
The Document Rules
The SSA accepts only original documents or certified copies issued by the agency that created the original. Your SSN is one of the most sensitive numbers you have — the SSA's strict document requirements exist to prevent identity theft and fraud.
After Marriage or Divorce
Name changes after marriage or divorce do not count against your replacement card limit. Bring the marriage certificate or divorce decree along with your current ID and existing Social Security card (if you have it). The process takes the same 10–14 days.
Newborns and the Hospital Option
Parents of U.S.-born newborns can request a Social Security Number through the hospital's "Enumeration at Birth" program — no need to separately file an SS-5. If that wasn't done at birth, file an SS-5 at an SSA office with the child's birth certificate.
Immigrants and Work Authorization
Non-citizens authorized to work must wait 10 days after DHS records are updated before applying for an SSN, so the SSA can verify the immigration records. Non-citizens not authorized to work may request an SSN only for specific non-work purposes with a DHS letter confirming eligibility.
Official Source
Form SS-5 is published by the Social Security Administration. PDF Edit loads this document directly from ssa.gov. The SSA's website at ssa.gov/ssnumber has current forms, office locators, and appointment scheduling.
Who Uses PDF Edit for Form SS-5?
New Parents
Parents who didn't register their child's SSN at birth and now need to file an SS-5. PDF Edit helps them fill the form accurately before visiting the SSA office.
Newlyweds Changing Names
People updating their Social Security record after marriage. Name changes don't count against the replacement card limit — but the form still needs to be filled correctly.
Immigrants with Work Authorization
Newly authorized workers who need a Social Security Number for employment. PDF Edit helps them prepare their application before their SSA appointment.
People Replacing Lost Cards
Anyone whose Social Security card was lost or stolen who needs to get a replacement, within the annual and lifetime limits.
Legal Name Change Recipients
People who received a court-ordered name change and need to update their Social Security record with the new name before updating other ID documents.
SSA Appointment Preparation
Anyone who wants to arrive at the SSA office with a fully completed form — reducing time at the counter and the chance of errors that require re-submission.
Why Fill Form SS-5 on PDF Edit?
Your SSN Data Stays Local
The SS-5 asks for your existing Social Security Number, birthdate, and parents' information. PDF Edit processes everything in your browser — nothing is uploaded to any server.
Truly Free — No Tricks
Many websites charge a fee to "help" you obtain a Social Security card. The SS-5 itself is free, and PDF Edit is free. No subscription, no per-download fee.
Official SSA PDF
You're filling the same document the SSA publishes — every field and instruction exactly as designed. No recreated templates.
No Account Required
No signup, no email, no password. Open the editor, fill the form, print it, and bring it to the SSA. Done.
Works on Any Device
Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook, iPad, iPhone, Android — any device with a modern browser. Fill it at home before your appointment.
Full PDF Editor Included
Type clearly in every field, sign with the built-in signature tool, and print a clean, legible form. Illegible handwriting is a common reason for delays.
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