General, Online Services, Social Security Number and Card

So You’ve Lost Your Social Security Card

July 25, 2016 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

lost ss cardLosing 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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About the Author

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

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Comments

  1. antonio r.

    need new card, lost my card

    • J.Y.

      Hi Antonio. First, realize you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. However, if you must get a replacement card, you will need to gather documents proving both your identity and citizenship status. To prove identity, a U.S. state-issued driver’s license, such as your Hawaii driver’s license, will suffice. To read about what documents you need to prove your citizenship or work-authorized immigration status, and more about the process of replacing a lost Social Security card, visit http://go.usa.gov/ZcVH. Thanks!

  2. Alexander T.

    My girlfriend is a California citizen and she lost her state issued photo ID as well as her social security card. She doesn’t have any copies of her medical records and is living in Illinois. The highschool she attended, in Concord, California, will not give her a copy of her school transcripts without her having any form of state ID and she also can’t get a copy of her medical records for the same reason. Is there anything we can do to get her documents back? The only thing in her possession at the moment is her Birth Certificate and she also knows her social security number.

    • Alexander T.

      Is there really nothing we can do for her?

  3. Jaylene L.

    My real father has never been around I know his name but don’t have his ssn. Can I still get another social security card

  4. Danielle

    How do I get my Social Security card if it is lost or stolen without pain for the Social Security card.

    • R.F.

      Hi Danielle, 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!

  5. Victor L.

    My social security card, birth certificate and state id was stolen. I have no id and currently reside in Las Vegas, Nv now! I was told i have to obtain my identification from illinois because i never had one here in las vegas. How can i obtain my information if i have no id?

    • R.F.

      Hi Victor, 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 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!

  6. Nicole M.

    Can I get a replacement card in person if I was born in AZ and go to an AZ SS office?

  7. William R.

    Good day,
    I recently relocated to a different state. I do not have any photo ID that is state or federal government issue. My Social Security Card has been destroyed. The only documents I have are my DD214 (I am a Marine – discharged ’07) and my birth certificate. I have a legal name change document as my step-father gave me his name when I was a teen. There was no formal “adoption” paper. I can not obtain any Photo ID without my SSC. This is the ultimate catch-22. Please help.

    • R.F.

      Thank you for your service to our country, William. You’re right, 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 originals or certified copies, current (not expired) and show your name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age). One of our representatives can provide further guidance on which documents you can use. Please call 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
      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!

  8. Stephen C.

    Recently just got hired onto an amazing job… Although hit a few rough patches on my way, which somewhere misplaced my Social Security card. I was born in another state, would I be able to bring the application request to a local office in regards of a replacement or would I need to further send it out?

    Would rather be able to get it done in the most timely fashion as possible in regards of future employment…

    • R.F.

      Congratulations on your new job, Stephen. You can apply for a replacement Social Security card at your local office or the nearest card center in your area. 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!

  9. Charles H.

    Hello.
    I need a replacement SS card and want to do it online. I meet all of the criteria to do it online (mySocialSecurity account, U.S. citizen with a U.S. address, no name change, and have a valid Florida drivers license). However, when I log in to mySocialSecurity account, I am not given the option to replace it online. Please provide the direct link to that option so that I can utilize this service.

    The reason I need a replacement card is that I need to renew my Florida drivers license and one of the requirements is proof of SSN.

    Thanks in advance!

    • R.F.

      Thank you for using our online services, Charles! We apologize for the inconvenience. The site to apply online for a replacement Social Security card appears to be up and running. Please try again. If you need assistance with your personal my Social Security account, please call 1-800-772-1213. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account. Sometimes, it might be best to visit your local Social Security office for further assistance. Thanks!

  10. Christopher T.

    So I’m in the US military, I lost my military ID, I have no current birth certificate as it was lost through my divorce, I need a replacement social security card to get a new military ID.. I don’t have a passport.. just my drivers license and I leave for Alaska on the 13th and have to report there the 20th.. what can I do?

    • R.F.

      Thank you for your service to our country, Christopher. We prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security card. Your driver’s license should suffice. 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). Typically, after we receive your application, we process your request and you should receive your replacement Social Security card by mail within 10 business days. Our representatives in the local office or card center can provide you with further guidance. Also, 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!

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