Frauds & Scams, Privacy & Identity, Social Security Number and Card

Guard Your Card: Protect What’s Important to You

November 18, 2021 • By

Reading Time: 1 Minute

Last Updated: November 2, 2023

Close-up of social security cards - We encourage you not to carry your Social Security card with you every day. The best way to “Guard Your Card” is to keep it in a safe place and share it only when required, which is rare. In fact, in most cases, just knowing the Social Security number should be enough. In 49 states and the District of Columbia, a Social Security card isn’t required to request a Real ID. Only Pennsylvania requires it.

Please be careful about sharing your number when asked for it. You should always ask why your number is needed, how it will be used, and what will happen if you refuse. Also, you shouldn’t carry documents that display your number.

If you need a replacement Social Security card, we make it easy. You may be able to use a personal my Social Security account to request a replacement on our website. If you live in one of 45 participating states or the District of Columbia, and are requesting a replacement card with no changes, like a name change, you can use our free online service.

Visit our Social Security Number and Card page to learn more about your Social Security card. Please read our factsheet, How You Can Help Us Protect Your Social Security Number and Keep Your Information Safe, for more information. Our Guard Your Card infographic is another great resource to understand whether you need to show your card.

Please share these resources with your friends, and family – and post them on social media.

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About the Author

Dawn Bystry, Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications

Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications

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Comments

  1. Terry J.

    I need to know if Medicare providers are allowed to request my SS number. I have always refused to give it to any provider but I currently have one that is insisting.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Terry. Thanks for visiting our blog. You can refuse to disclose your Social Security number; however, the requester can then refuse to provide you the service you are seeking if you do not give it to them. For more on this, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps. 

  2. Linda M.

    I’ve ordered my replacement card, but am wondering how long it will take to be sent to me. I asked that it be sent to the PO Box # instead of street address as our mailboxes are being rifled thru.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Linda. Thanks for visiting our blog. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

  3. Claude S.

    Hello, I’ve lost my social security card and do not remember social security number. What is the process in this situation ?
    Rgds,

    • A.C.

      Hi, Claude. You will need to contact your local Social Security office for assistance. Thanks! 

  4. Efren G.

    How do I get an appointment?
    I need my 2020 1099-
    I can not get this online
    I have called the main number after being on hold 2 hrs Inwas told to contact local office(port st lucie Florida)
    I have been calling since 8 am been disconnected 4 times
    Still after 4 hrs no luck reaching anyone
    Please advise

    • A.C.

      Hi, Efren. We are sorry to hear that. Please be aware our call volume is higher than normal. We encourage you to continue to work with your local office. We hope this is resolved soon. 

  5. Cary J.

    I need to order a replacement social security card, but Social Security has lost my account. I know I have one. Direct me please.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Cary. If you are still unable to access your account or encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “help desk.” We hope this helps.

      • CARLA C.

        CARLA COGLIATTI MIRANDA DE FIGUEIREDO. MILITAR.

        • Herman H.

          I’m trying to find out if sumone is reviewing & have applied for ssi under my name Herman Harold Dubose

          • A.C.

            Hi, Herman. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

    • Janet A.

      I have looked thru everything and because we moved to an apartment I am unable to find my card,but do know my number.

      • Janet K.

        Please replace my social security card!

      • A.C.

        Hi, Janet. First, realize that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing the Social Security number is what is important. To see if you’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card please visit our Social Security Number and Card page. We hope this helps. 

  6. Jame

    Thanks for the update.
    cinema hd apk v2

Comments are closed.