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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Denise
I need a replacement card. However, the problem is I have no transportation, there is no taxi in my town and have no friends or relatives. And worse part is, my license is expired. I have not been able to replace it as been unemployed for a couple years now. It expired 9 months ago. I am not on SSI or SSDI nor AFDC or any other government program. Although I do get SNAP benefits. Other than that I have no income. I just need a copy of my social security card. How do I do that when I can’t go to the office and have no ID? I do have my 2015 W2 forms. And my address is the same as on those. Thank you
A.C.
Hi, Denise. 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 help you by using other documents that show your name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age). 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. For specific questions, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. We hope this helps!
Rachel
Hi,
I have a similar question. My friend needs help replacing their SS card. They too, have SNAP. The SNAP card has their photo and date of birth on the card. Will this count as government issued ID?
Thank you.
Jose
I have a brother who has recently lost his SS. How can he replace it
K.O.
Hello Jose. Your brother can apply for a replacement Social Security card at no charge. He can use a my Social Security account to request a replacement Social Security card online if:
• He is a U.S. citizen age 18 years or older with a U.S. mailing address;
• Are not requesting a name change or any other change to his card; and
• Have a driver’s license or a state-issued identification card from one of the states listed.
If he cannot apply for a card online, he will need to show the required documents. We need to see different documents depending on his citizenship and the type of card he is requesting. See Learn What Documents You Need to find out what documents he will have to show. Hope this helps.
Valeria A.
I am planning on mailing my application to change my name on my social security card through the mail. Can I mail a copy of my drivers license or will I have to go to the office and show them my drivers license? I work the same hours that they are open and it will be hard for me to leave work early to make it within office hours. I know that I have to send original copies of my marriage certificate but do I have to send one of my birth certificate if I am a US Citizen?
A.C.
Hi, Valeria. Thank you for your question. If you legally changed your name because of marriage, divorce, court order or any other reason, you will need to submit the document that legally confirms the name change. If the document you provide as evidence of a legal name change does not give us enough information to identify you in our records, you must also show us an identity document in your old name (as shown in our records). Your driver’s license is proof of identity but cannot be used as proof of a name change. Also, you can use a birth certificate to prove your age or citizenship. But you cannot use it as proof of identity. Keep in mind all documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency and must (unless otherwise indicated) have been issued within the last two years. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. We offer the option to mail your completed application with original or certified documents to your local Social Security office or card center. Typically, after we receive your application and verify your documents, you should receive your Social Security card by mail within 10 business days. We also return all the original documents you provided. Please visit our webpage, Learn What Documents You Need to Get a Social Security Card, for more information.
Lilinette W.
I have a problem my brother who is disable and has autism recently has been in my care my father who now in a senior citizen home no longer can care for him but I don’t have anything I have to get his birth certificate but he never had an ID and he is coming from Jersey city now living with me in Maryland how do I replace his SS card and his medicaid card
sara
very good
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Paul
Regarding the use of medical records as secondary identification:
Suppose you received hospital care 6 years ago, and then TODAY you obtain a certified copy of those records.
Is this considered current (because you got it TODAY) or is considered no good (because the hospital care itself was more than 2 years ago)?
Thank you.
R.F.
Thank you for your question Paul. First of all, secondary evidence is considered only if primary evidence is not available (available means the document exists and the applicant can access or obtain it within 10 business days). An adult (age 18 to age 69) in most cases, should be able to provide a current identity document such as an unexpired driver’s license or State-issued non-driver identity card. For documents (including medical records) that do not show an expiration date, the date issued should be within the last two years. The final decision of what documents we may accept will be made at the local office or the card center processing your request.
Claire
My husband & I are trying to file our taxes jointly, but the IRS informed us that his name & SSN do not match their system that links with the SSO and will not allow us to file jointly, then sent a $4000 bill. My husband is incarcerated & we do not have a copy of his actual SS card, however we know his SSN and we know it is correct because we used it for Immigration purposes many times over the last few years with USCIS. We need to find out the name associated with his number but the SS Office will not discuss it with me because I am not the person in question, but my husband cannot speak with anyone regarding this as he is in prison. We do not have any records such as passport or driving license as my husband went to prison at the age of 16. How are we supposed to find out the name associated with his SSN and update it? It is going to cost me thousands of dollars in unpaid taxes and my husband will not be released for another 4 years.
R.F.
Hi Claire. Social Security takes protecting the public’s personal information very seriously. Your Social Security records are confidential and we do not disclose individuals’ personal information, unless we have proper authorization or consent. Your husband will have to contact us directly. Representatives at our toll free number 1-800-772-1213, are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, the waiting time is shorter when calling late in the week or late during the day. Also, your husband may be able to get some assistance from the social services department at his institution. Thanks for your support and understanding.
Claire
Thank you for your response. Is there a way that my husband can grant me permission and authorization to deal with it on his behalf? He is unable to make outgoing phone calls.
Bob
Can I get a social security card the same day at the Social Security Office?
R.F.
Thanks for your question Bob. Typically, after we receive your application and verify your documents, you should receive your replacement Social Security card by mail within 10 business days. 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.
nora
hi so i got a replacement card because i thought i lost mine but i found it again so is the original one still valid? also wondering about the rules for the middle name.
R.F.
Hi Nora. First, realize you rarely need to show your card. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. Both cards are valid, and your Social Security number remains the same. However, to be on the safe side, we recommend that you destroy the old one and only keep the new card. Also, you should keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not carry it with you unless you need to show it to an employer or service provider. Your name in the Social Security card will reflect your legal name as it appears in the supporting documents you provided us when applying for a replacement card. For more guidance on how your name is shown on the Social Security card visit our Program Operations Manual System (POMS).
Sholapo
Hi, i just moved to Greenbelt, MD and recently just got married. I applied for a replacement card at the Lanham office and it is way past a month since. I have a job waiting on my card and still haven’t received anything in the mail. I called the customer service number that I found online, and they hung up since there was no telephone menu for such services.
R.F.
First, congratulation on your marriage Sholapo. Typically, after we process your application, for a Social Security replacement card, you should receive the card by mail within 10 business days. If you applied for a Social Security card and have not received it, you will need to contact the office where you applied to check the status. Unfortunately, we cannot help you with this over the phone. Please bring with you, the receipt and all of the original documents that you provided to us. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Ernest P.
Hello I live in Washington state and have missed placed my ssc and suppose to start tomorrow. I was told by a employee that if I dont show it to them tomorrow. I will no longer have the job. I do have my drivers license and also my original birth certificate. Can I use those as an equilivant to not having my card