So You’ve Lost Your Social Security Card
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 3, 2023
Losing important documents is frustrating, especially something as important as your Social Security card.
You’ll want to consider whether you really need to get a replacement card. Knowing your number is what’s important, after all. 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 really must replace your card, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber before visiting your local Social Security office.
The first step is to learn what documents you need. You’ll need to show us a U.S. driver’s license, a state issued non-driver identification card, or a U.S. passport to prove your identity. Sometimes you may also need to prove your current U.S. citizenship or lawful noncitizen status with a birth certificate or passport.
Keep in mind that all documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We can’t accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. We also can’t accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.
Once you’re clear on what documents you’ll need, the second step is to print the Application for a Social Security Card, so you can fill it out. Finally, the third step is to bring or mail your application and original documents to us, and the online process will take you to a screen where you can find the address of your local office.
In some areas, you can request a replacement Social Security card using your online my Social Security account if you meet certain requirements. Simply access your account and follow the instructions to replace your Social Security card. It’s safe, convenient and secure.
You can replace your Social Security card for free if it’s lost or stolen. Avoid service providers wanting to charge you a fee to get your replacement card. Keep in mind that you’re limited to three replacement cards in a year, and 10 during your lifetime. Legal name changes and other exceptions don’t count toward these limits. Changes in immigration status that require card updates may not count toward these limits. Also, you aren’t affected by these limits if you can prove you need the card to prevent a significant hardship.
We’ll mail your card as soon as we have all of your information and have verified your documents. Your replacement card will have the same name and number as your previous card.
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Tags: Social Security benefits, Social Security card, SSN
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Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
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Carrie T.
Hi,
I was wondering if I could go to the social security office in Las Vegas, NV with all the necessary documents and get a replacement social security card for my husband. He doesn’t have time to wait in the line. Can I just take his signed application and documents and get it for him?
R.F.
Hi Carrie. Generally, an individual age 18 or older, should file the application on his or her own behalf. One thing to remember is that your husband may not need a replacement card. We rarely need to show our card, knowing our Social Security number is what is important. We offer the option to mail the completed application with his (original or certified) documents to the local Social Security office or card center. If you bring his application in, it is important to remember that he must sign the application. In addition to his documents, you must also provide us with your proof of identity. We may also ask for proof of relationship (marriage certificate). To learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card, please visit our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!
Tony
Hi, I was just hired for a new job yesterday and realized my SS card was missing. They told me I would need it during my orientation process. If I apply for a new card, will i be given any sort of temp or receipt that I could use for this process?
R.F.
Thank you for your question. Typically, after we process your application, you should receive your Social Security card by mail within 10 business days. You will be provided with a receipt showing you have applied for a replacement card. 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 “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!
Steven N.
I am a Court appointed special advocate (CASA) for a youth in the dependency court system. He has a Social Securitynumber, which we know, but his mother lost his card. He is not a citizen but has a green card, which his mother has also lost. I see that one can get a replacement card if one is a citizen and has a driver’s license, but neither of those apply in his case. What can we do to get a replacement card? Thank you, Steven Novak, Los Angeles
Renee
My 15 year old son lost his SS card. Can he go to the SS office to get a replacement on his own or do I have to go with him? (He has all necessary documents)
R.F.
Hi Renee. Generally, when applying for a replacement Social Security card for a child under the age of 18, we will consider the parent(s), as the proper applicant. If the child (under age 18) is physically and mentally capable of completing an in-person interview or paper application for a Social Security card, the child may file on his or her own behalf. For more information on this subject, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page. To learn more on the process and what documents you and your child will need to get a card Please visit our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!
sangi s.
If you lose your social security card and get reissued a new one, will the issue date on the front of the card change or stay the same as the original issue date?
Annel M.
If you lose your social security card and get reissued a new one, will the issue date on the front of the card change or stay the same as the original issue date?
Paige P.
Hi my name is Paige Perry. I recently lost my Social Security, State I.D., Voter Registration Card, and Health Card. They were all in the same wallet. I was hoping someone would turn it in, but no one hasn’t. I’m a U.S. citizen and I’ve lived in Illinois for 24 years. I was born in America. I have a birth certificate. However, I do not have an I.D. I do not have a driver license, and I lost my voter registration card. I’m a college student, but since all my courses are online I do not have a school I.D. I only have copies of the State I.D.
What should I do? I’m worried because I will not be able to get a new State I.D. without my Social Security Card. I’ve held onto everything for years, and I’m beyond frustrated that I have to replace everything. Please help!!
R.F.
Hi Paige, we prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security card. If you do not have one or you 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 documents you submit, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show your name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age).
Also, realize that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your 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 “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!
Carrie T.
Hi,
I was wondering if I could go to the social security office in Las Vegas, NV with all the necessary documents and get a replacement social security card for my husband. He doesn’t have time to wait in the line. Can I just take his signed application and documents and get it for him?
Drew
I posted on here before, but all I got was a generic (probably copy and pasted answer) which did not help me at all…
I do not have any form of ID, nor do I have any of the documents listed on the site that are required to get a new card, and I am unable to get them without an ORIGINAL Social Security card
How would I go about getting a card without those documents?
Drew
Here are documents I do have:
Birth Certificate
Record of Birth
High School Diploma
—–
If I bring a parent with me that can confirm my identity, will that work, or am I too old for that? I am 23-years-old.
R.F.
Hi Drew. A birth certificate is used as proof of citizenship, and is used to establish your place and date of birth. Generally, we use your birth certificate when we first issue your Social Security number. For a replacement Social Security card you must provide us with proof of identity. We prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security card. If you do not have one or you cannot get one within a reasonable amount of time, we may be able to use other documents such as: Employee identification card; Certified copy of medical record (clinic, doctor, or hospital) or a health insurance card; Certified school record or transcript. Any documents you submit, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show your name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age). Also, realize that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your 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 “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!
Robin
im a international student recently moved to another state. I had my ssn but i couldn’t get the card because the mail was destroyed due to some reason (wrong address) can i apply for the card from the new state and what documents do i need? I have letter from social security office that i applied for social security from previous state?
Bee
what if I moved to another state and need to get another social security card can I get the card in the new state that I live in?
R.F.
You may apply for a Social Security card at the nearest Social Security office or card center in your area. Also, realize that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your 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 “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!