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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Betsy L.
How to obtain replacement card for my son? I have his birth certificate and health insurance card, but it doesn’t have a picture will that work?
R.F.
Hi Betsy. We generally use a birth certificate as proof of age and citizenship. We use it to establish your Social Security record. We prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security card. If your son does not have one or cannot get one within a reasonable amount of time, we may be able to use other documents such as:
•School identification card;
•Health insurance card; or
•U.S. military identification card.
Any documents you submit, must be originals or certified copies, current (not expired) and show his name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age).
Also, realize that he may not 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, please visit our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!
John W.
I recently looked at my birth certificate for the first time in over 20 years. My birth name is different than what
is listed on my social security card. To make matters worse my driver’s license has the same name listed
on my social security card (This social security card and driver’s license omitted my first name and used my middle name as my first name). Can this be possible? I don’t have my original social security card,
my recent social security card is a replacement card
after having worked 20 years. I remember my original social security card had my correct first , middle and last name. Help.
R.F.
Hi John. If you need to correct your name on your Social Security number card, you will have to show us the required documents, to include your birth certificate. 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). We offer the option to mail your completed application with the original or certified documents, in your situation, it may be best to visit the nearest Social Security office or Card Center and let our representatives assist you. 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.
Jason T.
I started a new job in March and have been trying to get a replacement card. three times now. The third time was a couple weeks ago. I have verified my address on the paperwork provided to me and SS says that the previous two have been sent, yet I did not receive them. I now am awaiting the end of this week for the third no show, as that has been par for the course. I haven’t been able to get a square answer from SS on where the other 2 were sent. I am super stressed as my employer is threatening to send me home without it.
R.F.
We apologize for the inconvenience Jason. Typically, after we process your application, you should receive your replacement Social Security card by mail within 10 business days. Please continue working with your local office or card center to follow up on your most recent application for a replacement card. Our field offices may be able to help in situations where there appears to be a problem with the applicant receiving mail. You can request to speak with the office manager to see how we can help. Thanks for bringing this issue to our attention.
Jennifer
I want to ask how I can get a replacement social security card that I lost. My old social security card and my drivers license do not match.
My original card had Jennifer L___ Middle Name Last Name.
Jennifer L___ is my first name (I have 2).
I have used L____ for my middle name on my drivers license AND my passport because on my birth certificate it has L____ as my middle name.
What do I need and what should I do?
I also need the social security card ASAP because I need it for employment.
R.F.
Thanks for your question Jennifer! You can show whichever name you would like on your social security card, as long as you have evidence of your legal name, by showing us the correct documentation. You may be able to use the documents that you mentioned. Our representatives will help you and make the final determination based on the documents you can provide. Click here to locate the nearest Social Security office or Card Center in your area. You can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Mrs P.
I would like to get some information on how to apply for a replacement card for my husband who is in prison. I do have a notarized copy of his prison id and his original birth certificate. He also has filled out the ss application and had his signature notarized by a prison notary. Can i take these documents to a local ss office to file for a replacement card?
R.F.
Thank you for your question Mrs. Perez. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. Any document you submit, when requesting a replacement Social Security card, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show your name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age). Generally, we use a birth certificate when we first establish the individual’s Social Security record. You can use a birth certificate as proof of age or citizenship. But you cannot use it as proof of identity.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has agreements with some correctional facilities that make it possible for inmates to get (SSN) replacement cards. Under the terms of these agreements, our field offices can process properly completed applications from certain prison inmates, when accompanied by a certification statement from an authorized prison official as evidence of the inmate’s identity. The guidelines outline specific procedures for the correctional facility and SSA to follow, to ensure the integrity of the SSN replacement card issuance process for inmates. The agreements also addresses issues of security to protect Social Security numbers and cards from misuse in order to protect the privacy of the inmates. We suggest that your husband contacts the facility’s administrative offices for assistance in this matter.
Yejin K.
Hi. I lost my temporary social security card that I allow to work in USA. So I always get disadvantages cuz I dont know my security number. How can I get the temporary social security card again.
R.F.
Thank you for your question Yejin. Generally, only non-citizens authorized to work in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get a Social Security number. If you lost your card and need to apply for a replacement Social Security card, you will need to bring proof of identity plus your current proof of work-authorized immigration status. All documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. You can take your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office or your local Social Security Card Center. We hope this helps!
Sarah K.
I worked as an Au Pair in New Jersey from September 2015 till September 2016 and I am now back home living in Germany. When I came back I lost my SS card and I now have to pay taxes for 2016. But I can’t do it without my SSN. I wrote tons of mails trying to reach someone who could help me. everybody told me I could only get a new card by going to a SS office myself, but I can not fly to the US right now. There has to be another way. I am frustrated and thankful for any advice!
R.F.
Hi Sarah. We thank you for using our blog to communicate with us! It appears that you were issued a card as you were lawfully admitted to the United States on a temporary basis with authorization to work. Keep in mind that in general, your Social Security number does not change. You may not need a replacement card, you will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. You may contact the local U.S. embassy or consulate for further assistance.
Byron H.
I lost my wallet, drivers license is expired due to past due tickets that I am paying off. I am currently unemployed due to health problems. And no insurance. Please help I need this card to get a ID card.
R.F.
Hi Byron, 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!
Carmen G.
So if a replacement card was mailed from Baltimore Maryland on 5/10/17 and still has not arrived in North Carolina by 5/24/17, what are the odds it has been lost or misdirected somewhere? The local office as well as the Baltimore office closed at 12 noon today so there is no resolution there.
R.F.
Hi Carmen. Typically, you should receive your replacement Social Security card by mail within 10 business days, after we process your application. If you do not receive your card in the next few days, you should contact us. On your receipt there should be a local phone number for you to call and speak to someone about the status of your Social Security card. Or you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks.
Ashley
Hi, I’m just curious what happens if you run out of them, like you get all 10 replacements before you die and you lose the last one. Are you just screwed? Like you can’t get another one so you’ll just have to somehow live without it?
R.F.
Thank you for your question Ashley. First, realize that you may not always need a replacement card. As a matter of fact, you rarely need to show your Social Security card. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. When determining if and when an individual has met the yearly or lifetime limits, we do not count replacement cards issued for:
• Original SSN cards;
• A legal name change;
• Changes in immigration status that require card updates (addition, change, or removal of a restrictive legend, such as: Valid for Work Only with DHS Authorization or Not Valid for Employment);
• SSN cards issued prior to 12/17/2005; or
• Enumeration at birth records.
Also, you aren’t affected by these limits if you can prove you need the card to prevent a significant hardship. We will consider reasonable exceptions on a case-by-case basis in compelling circumstances. We hope this information helps!