Online Services, Social Security Number and Card

1 Million Social Security Replacement Cards and Counting

April 26, 2018 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: March 17, 2021

hand holding social security card Your Social Security number is your first and continuous link with Social Security, so losing your card can be frustrating. Luckily, there’s a way to replace your card when you need it, with our online replacement card service. It’s quick, easy, and free! Now, more than one million people have requested a replacement card through our service, and we’re still adding states to the list of those who can use the online service!

To replace your card online, first you’ll need to log in to or create your my Social Security account. We protect your personal information using identity verification and security features. Your security and protection are what matter most; you can take control of your future with secure access to your information anytime, anywhere!

You’ll also need to meet certain requirements. You must be a United States citizen age 18 or older with a U.S. mailing address, can’t be requesting a name change or any other change to your card, and must have a driver’s license or state-issued identification card from a participating state. We’ve just added Colorado, Montana, New York, and Wyoming to Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware (driver’s license only), the District of Columbia, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin (driver’s license only).

Keep in mind that in many cases, even if you lost your card, you may not need a replacement. In most cases, simply knowing your Social Security number is enough. But if you do need a replacement, we make it easy. Once you log in to your account, you can follow the instructions to request your replacement Social Security card online.

Learn more about getting a replacement Social Security card and find out if you can request yours online by visiting our Social Security number and card page. No matter where, how, or when you decide to do business with us — we strive to provide the best experience and services to put you in control. Join the million people who have already gone online to request their Social Security cards!

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About the Author

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications

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Comments

  1. Kathleen L.

    My grandson, can’t get an ID because he has lost his Social Security card. What do we need to do to get this replaced?

    • R.F.

      Hi Kathleen, we prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security card. If your grandson does not have one or he cannot get one within a reasonable amount of time, we may be able to use other documents such as:
      •Employee identification card;
      •School identification card;
      •Health insurance card; or
      •U.S. military identification card.
      Any document he submits, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show his name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age).
      If your grandson is 18 years old or older and meets other requirements, he may be eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online. To learn more on the process and what documents he will need to get a card, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this information helps!

  2. James H.

    If a person is married to an American citizen do they qualify for a SS card?

  3. Barbara

    I’m going to be stateside this month and need to replace my son’s SS card as it was lost. He was born overseas and I have his CRBA. However, his US passport has expired (and wait times are 3 months for the FBU in Athens) the consulate has refused to issue passport renewal without the SS number. What can I use to prove his identity? Would his foreign passport (non-expired) be sufficient or shot record from the US (it’s from 2012)? This will be the first year he’ll be attending school stateside — so, he doesn’t have any school IDs or other documents with a photo other than one issued in the foreign country.

    • R.F.

      Thank you for contacting us, Barbara. Any document you submit, to get a replacement Social Security card, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show your name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age). In your son’s case, you will -also- have to provide his birth certificate or the “Report of Birth Abroad”. Also, you will need to provide us with proper identification.
      The representatives processing the request for your son’s replacement Social Security card, are better equipped to examine the documents and provide further guidance if necessary. To find your local Social Security office or the nearest Card Center in your area go to: https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp We hope this helps!

  4. Dawn D.

    Is it possible To be completely paperless with social security? Are there electronic cards yet instead of the paper ones

  5. Dawn D.

    Is there electronic cards available? Is it possible yet to be completely paperless with social security?

  6. Beverly M.

    Why, o, why is it so difficult to log on to my social security account. I put in my information and still another code is required. Then I have to figure out how to get that code from my email and return to your website in 2 minutes. Which BTW is not user friendly at all. Usually take several attempts even getting it done in under 2 min. You are not helping protect me just irritating the heck out of me. Which is why I don use your website if I don’t have to.

  7. William M.

    Hi, I keep trying to figure out how to order a replacement Social Card on line not so quick and easy. All i get is to contact my local ss office? Any help would be nice. William Moody

    • R.F.

      Hello William, you can use a my Social Security account to apply for a replacement Social Security card online, -only- if you meet certain requirements and if you’re a resident of the participating states.
      If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!

  8. Ms. G.

    Thanks

  9. Patricia J.

    Can I get a replacement card for my grandson? I have full custody of him,I have the paper copy but not the card. He is a minor.
    Thank you,

    • R.F.

      Hi Patricia, we prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security card. If your grandson does not have one or cannot get one within a reasonable amount of time, we may be able to use other documents such as: his school identification card or health insurance card.
      Any document he submits, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show his name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age).
      Also, realize that we may not always need a replacement card. We rarely need to show it. Knowing our Social Security number is what is important.
      To learn more on the process and what documents your grandson will need to get a card, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page.
      A minor child -under age 18- may sign the application for a replacement Social Security card. A parent or a legal guardian may also sign, but they would -also- have to provide proper identification and supporting documents (legal guardianship, custody, etc.).
      When ready you can take or mail the completed application with the required documents -original or certified copies- to the local Social Security office or the nearest Card Center in your area. We hope this information helps!

  10. Tom H.

    Are we getting new social security cards or just replacements of the cards we have already? I’m confused. I have heard that we are getting cards with new numbers, new cards. Is that true?

    • R.F.

      Hi Tom! You’re probably referring to “new” Medicare cards. Click here for more information on this topic or visit http://www.Medicare.gov. Thanks.

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