Online Services, Social Security Number and Card

Have You Seen Your Social Security Card Lately?

February 1, 2016 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 6, 2023

clip art of a social security cardWe strive to provide you world-class service. With that in mind, Social Security rolled out a new service that allows some of our customers to request a replacement Social Security card online.

The new online version of the Application for a Replacement Social Security Card allows people in some states to request a replacement card online through our secure my Social Security  portal without traveling to a field office.

Currently available in the District of Columbia, Michigan, Nebraska, Washington, and Wisconsin, it’s an easy, convenient, and secure way to request a replacement card online. First, you’ll need to create a my Social Security account. When you open a my Social Security account, we protect your information by using strict identity verification and security features. The application process has built-in features to detect fraud and confirm your identity. In certain cases, security experts at Social Security will contact you to ensure it is a legitimate application. We only issue a replacement card if there’s no suspicion of fraud and then we only mail it to a verified address.

To take advantage of this new service option, you must:

  • Have or create a my Social Security account;
  • Have a valid driver’s license in a participating state or the District of Columbia (or a state-issued identification card in some states);
  • Be age 18 or older and a United States citizen with a domestic U.S. mailing address (this includes APO, FPO, and DPO addresses); and
  • Not be requesting a name change or any other changes to your card.

We plan to add more states, so we encourage you to check with us later in the year!

Before you request a replacement card online, you may want to consider whether you need to get a replacement card at all. Most times, knowing your number is what’s important. You’ll rarely need the card itself, perhaps only when you get a new job and have to show it to your employer. If you decide that you do need a replacement card, log into your personal my Social Security  account and select “Request a Replacement Card.” Next, answer the screening questions to confirm eligibility, complete personal data, and you’re done!

See how easy that was? For more information, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.

Did you find this Information helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!

Tags: , ,

See Comments

About the Author

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Comments

  1. Frank L.

    discontinue the required fields that i marked.

  2. Frank L.

    discontinue

  3. Barbara K.

    Too important to touch. Thank you to the
    Social Security Administration.

  4. Helen J.

    I provided my SS card when visiting an office and was told it had no importance. I don’t recall being asked for my card at any time since I became an adult.

    What good is it?

    • Bruce M.

      Hellen, I agree. Never in my life have I needed to show a SS card. This includes, Army, college and Federal service.

  5. Robert R.

    Sure seems like fraud could play into this.

    • Collyn

      Agreed!

      • David

        I don’t mind having to wait any time for a replacement PAPER card instead of SS having to go to the expense of more equipment just to be able to do it on-line.
        I would prefer they KEEP THAT MONEY for people like me, since my latest SS statement says I will get $0.70 of every $1.00 I have put in.

  6. tony l.

    Be patient Everyone We all going to get it just a matter of days I hope …Keep your Old one as long they Dont delay our Money That we Deserved . Thank you !

  7. Paul R.

    When will Oklahoma be OK?

  8. Ken B.

    Back in 1954 I obtained my first social secutrity card. I opined that if it is to last for the next 70 years possibly, I”d get laminated for long-term protection. The card worked well over the years for employment needs, military needs, etc. etc.

    Then – in 2015, I applied for a Minnesota enhanced driver license because our inept MN legislature and executive branch decided to not comply with the new federal regulation regarding this.

    Surprise, surprise! I am informed by the State of Minnesota that a laminated social security card is null and void for any purpose whatsoever.

    Thank you all very much.

    • Martha

      Why can it not be laminated?

      • John O.

        Hot lamination makes the ink run. Cold lamination doesn’t but it would hide alterations. You are advised to never laminate your card. Also, novelty cards on metal are worthless.

        • David

          Dear Ken & Martha:
          It is printed on the back of mine that the SS card is not to be laminated, but no mention why.
          I was glad to read the post on 2-1-’16 from John giving the reasons.

          • Ray F.

            Good question, David. Lamination prevents detection of many security features. However, you may cover the card with plastic or other removable material if it does not damage the card. We suggest that you don’t carry your card with you, remember knowing the number is what’s important.

  9. Kim

    This should be made available to U.S. citizens in ALL states immediately. Why the unnecessary delay?!

    • Natver

      When will be available in Califirnia ?

    • bettyg

      why DIDN’T my reply to this show up?

      i observed all your rules.

      all 50 states should have this done.

      ss … please use SHORT paragraphs using your BULLETS like you did your above for those of us with neuro cognitive reading due to our illnesses. thanks.

      your artcles are NOT user-friendly since you continue to have such LONG, continuous blocks of text for us neuro readers.

      bettyg, iowa

  10. Shyamala

    when will it replace in NEW JERSEY

Comments are closed.