Records

How to replace a birth certificate or Social Security card

Both can be replaced. One is usually faster than you'd think.

Current as of October 2026. Laws and figures can change — see full disclaimer.

Missing documents are common. Many people find their birth certificate or Social Security card only when they need it. Both can be replaced, and the process is usually simpler than people expect.

Birth certificate

Birth certificates come from the vital records office in the state where you were born, not the state where you live now. Most states take orders online, by mail or in person. Fees usually range from about $10 to $35 per copy, and processing time varies by state.

Searching "[state you were born in] vital records" finds the official office. The CDC also keeps a list of every state's vital records office, with links.

Social Security card

Replacement cards from the Social Security Administration are free. Many adults can request one online through a my Social Security account at ssa.gov, depending on their state and whether they can verify their identity online. Others apply by mail or at a local office.

• The SSA generally limits replacements to 3 cards a year and 10 in a lifetime, with some exceptions.
• Many people rarely need the physical card. Knowing the number is usually enough.

Lookalike sites

Some websites charge extra fees to "help" order these documents. The official sources are your birth state's vital records office and ssa.gov.