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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Tanner
I need my SS card to get my drivers license and my parents can’t find it. What do I do?
R.F.
Hi Tanner, 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!
Mickey
Ok if someone loses both their drivers license and SSI card how can they get them back? Here in Montana you have to show a DL to SSI to get new SSI card and vice versa.
A.C.
Hi, Mickey. We prefer a government issued document with your picture as proof of identity to replace a Social Security card. If you do not have one or cannot get one within a reasonable amount of time, we may be able to help you by using other documents. Any documents you submit, must be originals or certified copies, current (not expired) and show your name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age). 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!
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johnni
My son is in a long term treatment program he cannot leave, he is 21 years old. He is a US Citizen and has a WI state ID and birth certificate. He just needs a replacement card. WI state ID does not qualify to apply online so he will need to mail the application. Does he send his state photo id or a copy of it? And where do we find the address to mail it to. It is listed no where on ssa.gov. Thank you for your help
R.F.
Hi Johnni, we do not accept photocopies. We prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security card. We may also be able to use other documents such as your son’s health insurance card or a certified copy of his medical records. Remember, any document he submits, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show his name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age). Also, realize that we don’t always need a replacement card. We rarely need to show our card. Knowing our Social Security number is what is important. To learn more on the process and what documents your son will need to get a replacement card, please visit our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. Click here to find the nearest card center or Social Security office where to mail the application. Typically, after we receive the application and verify the documents, we process the request and he should receive his replacement Social Security card by mail within 10 business days. (We also return his documents). Please call 1-800-772-1213 for further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. We hope this helps!
Kimberly F.
Hello I would like to inquire where is your office located here in San Diego, CA?
R.F.
Hi Kimberly. To find your local office, please visit our Social Security Office Locator.
Hazen A.
I need to apply for a duplicate SS card. I currently live in New Zealand but I have an expired US Passport and a current New Zealand drivers license – are these sufficient forms of ID?
R.F.
Please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.
Hazen A.
Okay, Thank you.
Edmanuel F.
Hi. I have been having some problems trying to get a new SS card, my wallet was stolen with all my ID, SS card and other important items but I go to the SS office and they ask for my ID is said I don’t have it I have my voting ID and my Birth certificate and they can’t help me I have such a headache with these people. I really don’t know what to do. Please help me? Thanks
R.F.
Hi Edmanuel, 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 you understand that one of the reasons, SSA requires each applicant to present documentary evidence of his or her identity, is due to the growing problem of identity theft and false identity situations. Thanks.
Edmanuel F.
Hi. The reason why I need my SS card it’s that they won’t issue me my Lic or an ID if I don’t have my SS card.
Alex. E.
Hi, I recently got out of the Army, and as I was moving I lost everything: my passport, SSC, and Consular of Birth Abroad. I do not have a certified Consular of Birth Abroad, but I do have photo copies. I also have a very old passport, a Veteran’s Affairs ID, and a D/L. I can’t replace any of my items without having an original of one of the others (which I obviously don’t have). What can I do?
R.F.
Hi Alex, and THANK YOU for your service. If you’re trying to get a replacement Social Security card, we prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity. You may be able to use your driver’s license. Other documents we can use:
•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!
Tracy B.
My cousins, were not raised by their parents. They were raised by my uncle, their cousin. They were given ss numbers but my uncle never had them, they were home school and now are in their 30s. We have tried and tried to get them their numbers but because they have no identification at all they are unable to give them to them. There are No hosptial records, school records any type of ID with a picture. What can we do?
R.F.
Hi Tracy, we wish we could help, but in their situation, your cousins should continue working with the local Social Security office for further assistance in this matter. Also, representatives at our toll free number can provide guidance. Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks.
Debbie
The whole Idea of needing ID to get ID is very infuriating. My son does not have an ID. He does not have a Social security card that I must of mis placed but don’t know when. He is 20 and cant get a new social security card without a DMV id but he cant get a DMV iD without a social Security card. he has no other ID he had a high school ID but he has already graduated. HE doesn’t have health insurance. HE has no documents to prove anything other than his Birth Certificate which i was able to get because i have ID. He needs to get on a plane next month and I have no way of getting him an ID