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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nicole
I recently split from my daughters father. He kept her social security card as well as her birth certificate. I am trying to obtain a copy for her needs while residing my house. He is unwilling to supply me with a copy of both at this time? Is there a way I can request a free copy
Kelly M.
My request for a replacement for my social security card was granted on the 1st of this month. It was sent and supposed to arrive within 7-10 days, and when it didn’t I was told to wait another week. Week 3 comes, it’s still not here and I call again. Now SS has no record of my application and the office tells me that I have to reapply and they’ll resend.
The SS office says that they will not ship with tracking info to make it more secure this time around nor will they expedite. I’m worried that my card was intercepted along the way within the USPS. The local post office has no record of it. What can be done differently to make sure that my card arrives safely and securely?
Dawn S.
What if the person is currently incarcerated and will be coming home soon. They have lost their SS card and needs to get teh card in order to get a drivers license / state id. What does one do then? Please advise. Thanks.
R.F.
Thank you for your question, Dawn. Some correctional facilities have agreements with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to assist inmates currently incarcerated when trying to obtain a replacement Social Security card. The facility’s social workers or counselors can be very helpful in providing specific information for inmates trying to get their replacement social security card, or replacement driver’s license. If the facility does not have an agreement with SSA, our offices must follow normal application and evidence procedures. 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!
Dawn S.
Thank you very much for your response Ray. I will follow up with the correctional facility. Kind regards.
John W.
NYS DMV says they want to see “an original social security card” from the applicant. Does a replacement card is the same thing as the original card?
Ryan
I was wondering: I thought I had lost my SS card, so I requested a replacement. While waiting for the replacement, I found my original card. Can I still use it? Or, does the replacement make the original invalid?
A.C.
Hi, Ryan. Both the original and replacement will be valid. Once you receive the replacement card, destroy the original. As a reminder, safeguard your Social Security number. You should treat your Social Security number as confidential information and avoid giving it out unnecessarily. Keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important personal papers. Do not carry it with you unless you need to show it to an employer or service provider. The fewer people with access to your number, the safer you are. We hope this helps.
John W.
The NYS DMV Enhanced Driver’s License requires
an “original social security card” to be shown. I lost the original card. Will a replacement card be just as good as the original for driver’s license purposes?
Sandrine A.
Hello
I’m belgian
When I was young, I was studying in Los Angeles and I get a social security number
I’m back in L.A. for some days and I would like to get a copy because I lost my card and don’t remember my number
Could you tell me what I need to do?
Thanks
R.F.
Generally, only noncitizens authorized to work in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get a Social Security number, or even get a replacement card. Unless you are a noncitizen who wants to work in the United States, you probably don’t need a Social Security number or a Social Security card. For more information on Social Security numbers for Noncitizens, go to http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10096.pdf. Please contact the local Social Security office in your area for further assistance. Thanks!
Sandrine A.
Hello
I’m belgian
When I was young, I was studying in Los Angeles and I get a social security number
I’m back in L.A. for some days and I would like to get a copy because I lost my card
Could you tell me what I need to do?
Thanks
Stella P.
These are great and informative articles. How do we apply for permission to reprint these articles in a company newsletter.
Heather F.
I haven zero ways of one of the alternative proofs of Identification since my wallet was stolen. I have no employer card or military ID. My name was changed through the social security administration and so my marriage certificate does not show my new married name and neither does my birth certificate or highschool transcripts. I need to get my ID for work in Florida and have no clue how to obtain a social security card. Is there any other way?
J.Y.
Hello Heather. We do 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). A certified document is basically a photocopy or extract of a file, sealed with a ribbon and the seal of the agency issuing the copy of the document on file. 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. You may call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and one of our agents can assist you in helping you find a suitable proof of identity document. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. SSA requires each applicant to present documentary evidence of his or her identity due to the growing problem of identity theft and to establish that the person who is applying for a replacement SSN card is the true number holder (i.e., the person to whom SSA originally assigned the SSN). Thank you for your support and understanding.