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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ROBERT C.
I’ve recently lost my home. I applied for and received a ‘new’ SS CARD two(2) years ago. I now can NOT find my card that i applied for and received two years ago.
Also PA DL is expired. Now i do not and apparently cannot even get a PA NON DL ID CARD.
This is ridiculous….
I went to local SSA OFFICE and explained the sitiution.. The same office that i applied for a ‘new’ card 2 yrs ago….
I obviously know the number.
I even set up a ‘my SSA account’ online with SSA.
i just want a duplicate card of has previously been issued.
My original was applied for spring of 1982.
New card and applied for August 2015…..
I even received a thank you letter from SSA after setting up online ‘my account’ …..?
All these government agencies want everyone to have a picture ID and now SSA and PENN DOT appear to be ‘running a game’ where each agency requires the others issued card…
With both customer service personnel of each respective agency they both told me while I was standing there in front of them that they were looking at the account or ‘SS-5’ and or the PENN DOT DL app that is/was archived from original….
Is this some kind of joke…..
I just want a duplicate of my original issue SSA card.
SSA can send me a ‘thank you for visiting’ letter to home address but cannot forward a duplicate card????
Same to PENN DOT..?
Dianne
Hello, I was wondering if im able to take my brothers social security application as well as all the documents he will need to provide to the social security office myself? ( I am his sister) he is on disability and has a difficult time getting out of the house? This is for a replacement card not changing anything. Also when you go down to the social security office do you get your card that day or do you have to wait for it to be mailed to you?
A.C.
Hi, Dianne. Yes, you can bring your brother’s completed and signed application with his (original or certified) documents to the local Social Security office or the nearest Card Center in your area. Take into consideration that your brother may not need a replacement card. He will rarely need to show it. Knowing his Social Security number is what is important.
Social Security cards are mailed from a central location based on the information entered into the enumeration processing system at the local Social Security office or card center. Typically, individuals should receive their replacement Social Security card by mail within 10 business days, after we verify their documents and process their application. To see if your brother is eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents he will need to get a card, please visit our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page.
Michael C.
Why is Tennessee excluded from being able to get a replacement Social Security card on-line?
Thank you.
A.C.
Hi, Michael. Thanks for your question. First, 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. We plan to expand this Social Security online service to more states in the future. 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!
Frank
Can the Social Security office print a new SS Card
R.F.
Social Security cards are mailed from a central location based on the information entered into the enumeration processing system at the local field office or Social Security card center. Typically, you should receive your replacement Social Security card by mail within 10 business days, after we verify your documents and process your application. 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. Thanks!
Ride
Also… the medical record has all zeros for my social security number! So my number is lost forever to me!
Ride
Please help.
I am 19. I have no photo ID. I cannot get a state ID without my social security number. I cannot get my social security number it was lost and there are no tax documents showing it. I was home schooled so no student ID. Social Security will not accept my birth certificate, medical insurance card, and a copy of an older medical record. I don’t think I can get the original medical record from the hospital. So I don’t have what the social security office needs? I have no drivers license, I cannot get a job. I’m terrified.
What can I do? Are there people who can never get their social security numbers after being lost?
R.F.
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. You can call our toll free telephone number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents for further guidance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks.
Dan S.
I am hosting a 15 year old high school transfer student from the local reservation while they attend public high school. She does not have a social security card. How can I, not the legal guardian, help her.
R.F.
To learn more on the process and what documents she will need to get a card, please visit our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. 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. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. Thanks.
John W.
Need help ASAP. This is not a name change matter. My social security card has a different name than my birth certificate. The number is one I’ve used all my life. This card is a replacement card, I no longer have the original.
I do remember the original card had my true legal name as listed on my birth certificate. Is this possible?
R.F.
Hi John. Unfortunately, but for your security, we do not have access to personal records in this venue. We encourage you to contact the nearest Social Security office or Card Center in your area or 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. Thanks!
William
Hi I’m in a peculiar situation. I’m getting married c soon and need a replacement SS card to hey The marriage license. Would the court accept the rec receipt from the SS Office as a form of ID??
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?