How To Get A Temporary Social Security Card Print Out

Published June 17th, 2021
Losing your social security card can be a horrifying experience. The process involved in getting it can prove to be an arduous task.
But, there’s no way around it.
You need your social security card.
And it can take a few days to sort things out.
Now, what if you need it today?
Lucky for you, we’ve put together this quick guide on how to get a temporary social security card print out.
What is a Temporary Social Security Card?
Unlike your actual social security card, a temporary one is only valid for 30 days. Keep that in mind. Although you essentially have a valid social security card in your hands it is but a representation of the real one.
You will still have to process a proper replacement to be sent to you via registered mail. This can take up to 14 business days which is within the 30-day time frame where your temporary social security card is allowed.
How To Get A Temporary Social Security Card
There are two ways to get a temporary social security card print out. The first one involves applying for a temporary security card online. This will then be sent to your address within a reasonable timeframe of 10 days.
To get one in less than 24 hours, you will have to go to your local Social Security office and apply to get one. This is the fastest and most secure option. You can get your temporary social security card in your hands within the day.
In order to do this, you will have to bring documents that provide proof of identity and age.
Examples of documents you can bring are:
- Birth certificate
- Driver’s License
- Passport
- Hospital records
- Religious records
- Adoption papers
Next, fill out the information document. Take extra care to ensure that all of the fields are filled with factual information and are legible to prevent rejection.
Adults must sign on the field provided. Children have to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who must also affix their signature along with the child’s.
Review the document before submitting it to the receiving officer.
Remember:
A temporary social security card will reflect the same information as your current ID. Any changes you want to make have to be supported by relevant documents. Be aware that this can be a long process and there is no guarantee that your temporary social security card will be released on the same day.
Lastly, you don’t need to submit your application for a temporary social security card in person, as mentioned above, you can send your application online or send the documents via registered mail. You will still receive your temporary social security card within 10 days at the address found in your official information sheet.
Who Can Apply For A Temporary Social Security Card?
- U.S. Residents who are American Citizens as proof of citizenship.
- U.S. Residents who are not American Citizens who need proof of eligibility to work
- Immigrants
- International or Exchange Students
Remember:
If you are the holder of a temporary social security card, you must inform your employer. Your temporary social security number will be replaced with a new official social security number for proper filing with the IRS (Internal Revenue System)
Conclusion
Getting a social security card is a top priority for people staying in any U.S. territory. This establishes your proof of identity, serves as a form of identification, and provides supporting documents that you are eligible to work.
Just remember that your temporary social security card is only valid for 30 days. It is also supposed to be a placeholder and not a complete replacement of your official social security card. It is also only valid for 30 days.
Here’s a bit of good news though: there are no fees attached to getting a temporary social security card.
Lost Your Birth Certificate? Request A Replacement Online
Instant Vital Records offers a birth certificate replacement service you can use from the comfort of your home. Enter your information and our software will automatically complete the required forms for your state. We print and mail your forms along with required payments to your state health department. You can trust that we take your personal information privacy and security seriously with HIPAA compliant data storage and data encryption. To get started, simply click here to begin your application. Your replacement documents will arrive by mail to your home within a few weeks.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is the lead writer for the Instant Vital Records blog and several other renowned publications. She is committed to delivering accurate facts by cross checking reputable sources for all of her articles.