General, Online Services, Social Security Number and Card

So You’ve Lost Your Social Security Card

July 25, 2016 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

lost ss cardLosing 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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About the Author

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

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Comments

  1. Jake

    I need to replace my social security card but have no government issued I.D. the only government document I have is my birth certificate. I have a school I.D. but it does not list my date of birth or age, I also have a health insurance card but it does not have a photo or any information beyond my name. What options do I have?

  2. Sharon K.

    I need a copy of my social security card to renew my drivers license. Thanks.

    • R.F.

      Hi Sharon, 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).
      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!

  3. Yaritza S.

    How do we requested a replacement card for my child and myself if we live overseas?

  4. Makenzie

    Hello! I recently lost my SSC and birth certificate (they were all in 1 envelope) when I moved out of my parent’s house. Have searched everywhere with no avail, and I start my new job on Monday. I need to have my social or a receipt that I have ordered one, but it says on the SSA website that I need to have my birth certificate or passport to provide proof of citizenship. I have never had a passport and as I stated before, I lost my birth certificate, too. I have my government issued state ID, school ID, credit cards, ect. Is this enough to apply for a replacement card? I know my SS number and everything — just need the replacement card for employment purposes. I don’t want to show up at the office and them turn me away because I can’t prove I am a citizen.

    • R.F.

      Hi Makenzie. We prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security card. If born in the United States, we use your birth certificate when we first establish your Social Security record (number). Also, after we receive your application and verify your documents, you can get a receipt showing that you’ve applied for a replacement Social Security card. You should receive your replacement Social Security card by mail within 10 business days after we process your request. You can find the nearest Social Security office or card center at: http://go.usa.gov/bgfV. 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.

  5. Melissa

    Hello, my son is a high school student and turned 18 six months ago. His SS card was lost when he was a baby when my wallet was stolen. He is applying on his own as an adult, but I am trying to assist him with the barriers he is encountering.
    He does not have any of the acceptable forms of photo ID. His school ID does not reflect his DOB or age. His health insurance card does not reflect his DOB or age; I believe HIPAA removed identifying information from health insurance ID cards? But SSA and the state DPS/DMV offices still suggest using a current health insurance card as proof of SS# and DOB?? He is a full-time student and has never had a job, so he does not have any other type of proof such as a 1099 or W-2, and never had a passport.
    He applied for a state ID yesterday, and was denied because he did not have a SS card. Again, they suggested a current health insurance card reflecting the SS#, but this is not on his insurance card.
    He does not have any other proof of SS#.
    Can I or someone else provide a notarized statement?
    Any other options?
    We have thoroughly examined the list of acceptable documents, and he does not have any of them, as he just hasn’t had any real life experience yet outside of attending school.

    • R.F.

      Hi Melissa. Your son can request a certified copy of his most recent transcripts from his high school. We may be able to use it, if it includes his name, and other identifying information, such as his date of birth or age. Please keep in mind that our representatives in the local office or card center will make the final determination on what documents are acceptable when processing a request for a replacement Social Security card. We hope this helps.

  6. Veronica

    Hi, I lost all my important documents during my move to another house. I lost my birth certificate, SSN, and U.S Passport. Started a new job today, how can I acquire my SSN without using those other documents?

  7. shane

    hi i had my wallet stolen reported it then a few months later me and my ex split up and my birth certificate and ss card “mysteriously” vanished from where it had always been, anyways can i have a legal parent vouch for me or what do i do?

    • J.Y.

      Hi Shane. If you suspect someone is using your Social Security card, you should report the theft immediately to the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). For more information on what you should do and if you should file for a new Social Security card, please visit our Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number publication.

      If you wish to request a new Social Security card, you will need to gather documents proving both your identity and citizenship status. After we receive your application and verify your documents, you should typically receive your replacement Social Security card by mail within 10 business days. We hope this helps. Good luck.

  8. Bridget

    My brother is 28. He does not have a state Id. He needs to provide proof of identity to get a replacement SSC. We have requested certified medical records from a hospital, high school transcript and a letter showing proof he had insurance. Is this sufficient enough to get a replacement Social Security Card?

    • Bridget

      Also he is unable to get an ID because he’s never had an ID in Pennsylvania so he will need to apply and in order to apply he needs a SSC.

    • J.Y.

      Hello Bridget. 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. Good luck to your brother!

  9. MS

    Hi,

    We recently were getting our children’s records organized, and realized that one of our daughter’s ss card is missing. We haven’t needed to use it. She’s 7, and the last time we used it outside of the house was when she was around 4. We’re worried that we might have lost it back then. First we need to replace it, but we’re also worried that it can be used by someone who might’ve found it a few years ago. We’re all US citizens. How can we check to see if it’s been used?

    • J.Y.

      We are sorry to hear you’re having this problem with your daughter’s Social Security card. If you suspect someone is using her Social Security number, you should report the theft immediately to the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). For more information on what you should do and if you should file for a new Social Security number for your daughter, please visit our Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number webpage. Good luck!

  10. David

    Hey there, I moved to NY last year from WA state. I lost my wallet with ID and SS card in it. I just recently obtained my birth certificate from Vital Check. I have my w2 form and birth certificate. I have no form of Photo ID. Can I use these two items to obtain a new SS card. If not what else will I need?

Comments are closed.