How To Get A Temporary Social Security Card Print Out

Published May 7, 2024

Having a social security card is crucial for life’s many responsibilities. We can say that almost all adults demand it in all areas of their life, especially with work. That said, if you lost yours, you must get a temporary print out in place of it. 

What Is a Social Security Card?

A social security card is a critical record document for getting a job and accumulating government benefits. It contains a nine-digit social security number. The Social Security Administration assigns it to citizens and authorized foreign nationals. 

What Is a Temporary Social Security Card?

An American citizen can apply for a temporary social security card. This card acts as a temporary placeholder for all legal documentation and is valid for 30 days. The applicant must apply for a new one within that period. 

Authorized foreign nationals, including international students and J visa holders, can also acquire it at initial employment. The card will allow them to earn before they get their permanent SSN. 

That said, foreign nationals should acquire their SSNs as soon as possible. It helps people apply for social security benefits and open bank accounts. 

Moreover, the temporary social security card printout is no longer valid after the permanent one arrives later. For this reason, it must be shredded after it serves its purpose. 

What Is the Need for a Social Security Card: Benefits of a Social Security Card

• Prove your citizenship status and acquire employment
• Show two forms of identification card without needing to carry a birth certificate
• Open a bank account
• Acquire a loan 
• Complete a school or university application
• Retirement, disability, and survivors’ benefits
• Medicare
• Taxation purposes
• Unemployment insurance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
• Educational opportunities
• Prevention of identity theft

How To Get a Temporary Social Security Card Print Out?

1. Start the application online.

Visit the Social Security Administration website to take charge of your application process. It will allow you to fill out vital information before visiting the local office. 

2. Complete the SS-5 form. 

Download, finish, and print the application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5) from the Social Security Administration’s official website. Ensure all data is correctly filled. It will help to avoid any delays in the processing of your application. 

3. Gather required documents

Collect all unexpired identification accounts required for the application. These documents typically require you to prove your identity, age, and US citizenship. 

4. Visit your local SSA office. 

Take the completed SS-5 form and your unexpired identification documents to your local Social Security Administration Office. 

5. Request a temporary printout. 

At the SSA office, inform them that you require a temporary Social Security card printout for urgent reasons. Many local SSA offices can provide a letter or a temporary printout on the spot after your application is accepted. It will then serve in place of the card temporarily until your official card arrives.