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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Tags: Social Security benefits, Social Security card, SSN
See CommentsAbout the Author
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Comments
Comments are closed.
Shannon Q.
Hi!
I am wondering how long it takes the social security office to approve an online application for a replacement card. I sent an online application about a week ago and still haven’t heard anything.
Savannah S.
Hi!
I am a military spouse, and my residency is in Georgia. We are currently stationed in California. Can I go to the social security office in California to apply for a new social security card for a name change purpose.
Thank you!
Richard B.
I am Richard a U.S. citizen and am currently residing in Thailand. I lost my Social Security(SS) card . Can I send a photo copy of my current card or a photo copy of the front page of my passport? Will SS card then be mailed to my S. Dakota address? Please respond at your earliest convenience.
R.F.
Hi Richard. To get a replacement Social Security card, you must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current (not expired), 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. For assistance related to Social Security, please contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. Thanks.
Janice
I have a question about the application form because I was born in the Philippines and i just got married here last july 14, 2017. I was applying for ssn because I will apply for my ajustment of status. Please I need help. Thanks
R.F.
Hi Janice. If you’re outise od the U.S. and need assistance related to Social Security, please contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. Thanks.
Janice
I married a US Citizen and were married in garden grove, CA. I need to get SSN. what are the other documents needed to obtain SSN? Thanks
R.F.
To learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card, visit our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. The Citizenship section provides additional guidance for foreign-born applicants. If you legally change your name because of marriage, and need a replacement Social Security card with your new name, you will find the information needed in the “Type of card” section, then select the tab “corrected”. We hope this helps.
Grant
I lost my SS card and need it for a new job. Am I able to go into a local office and show the proper ID required and get a replacement SS card that same day?
R.F.
Hi Grant. We prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security card. In addition to a valid Driver’s license or a state ID card, 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 document 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). You can get a receipt as proof that you’ve applied for a replacement card. Typically, after we process your application, you should receive your replacement Social Security card by mail within 10 business days. 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. To find the nearest Social Security Office or Card Center in your area, click here. We hope this information helps!
EddieB
The feds remain just too funny, as do most govt agencies. Nothing is new under the sun with the folks who write up these instructions for people to help them replace their SS card. After all the reading and logging in ones does to find out what to do, in the end it tells you to contact your social security office!!! Ok. Just how does one do that when the SS office won’t give out a phone number to speak to someone about your problem. The only alternative it to go to the SS office in person to get a new SS card. How else can this be done?
Carla
I’m going through the application process to rent an apartment and have been asked to submit a copy of my social security card. Is this customary or necessary? I have given my ss number and don’t understand why they want a copy of my card.
R.F.
Thank you for your question Carla. You can refuse to disclose your Social Security number, but the requester can refuse its services if you do not give it. Businesses, banks, schools, private agencies, etc., are free to request someone’s number and use it for any purpose that does not violate a federal or state law. Sometimes they will issue a different number if you ask. We hope this information helps.
Zoriah
What’s to be done if my ID is expired and and I’ve lost my birth certificate and social security card? I’ve gone over the other acceptable forms of ID and I dont have any of those either. I have an Anthem insurance card, but it doesnt have a photo. I live in Indiana if that makes an difference.
R.F.
Hi Zoriah, 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 document 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!
Samantha
Will I be recieving an exact copy of my original card ? Or will it be on a piece of paper ? If on paper how can I get one that looks like the original ? I do not wish to have a large paper with name and number but the same card I had before.
R.F.
Hi Samantha, your replacement Social Security card will look exactly like the card you had before. Typically, you should receive your replacement Social Security card by mail within 10 business days, after we verify your documents and process your application. Thanks!
Jared B.
I just moved and lost all my documents my Social Security Card and birth Certificate. I only have my drivers license left. I have no other documentation proving who i am. I live in Missouri. And need it for my new job. I do know my nine digit social security number. How do i get a replacement Social security card?
J.Y.
Hi Jared! We prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security card. In most cases, a valid driver’s license can be used to process a request for a replacement card. Also, 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 originals or certified copies, 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!
Jason
I am currently living in the Republic of Korea. I have original documents to verify my identity such as a valid US Passport and GA driver’s license.
My question is: may I scan and print a copy of my original documents and mail that with the completed application to the SS office in Georgia? Or do those copies have to be certified? Receiving certified copies will be quite difficult given my location and the timeline within which I hope to receive my replacement card. Please instruct as to the proper procedure. Thank you and I look forward to your response.
Kindly,
Jason
R.F.
Hi Jason. Any documents you submit when requesting a replacement Social Security card must be originals or certified copies. Documents must be current (not expired) and show your name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age). Keep in mind that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. For assistance related to Social Security services, you can contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in your area. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. To learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a replacement card, please visit our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!
Jason
Thanks for responding my inquiry, but is it possible that I will send my documents to my mother living in state right now and she will be the one to process my replacement card?