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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Jenna k.
My replacement card hasn’t come in over 3 weeks!!! I need I.T for work! What do I do!?
R.F.
Hi Jenna. To follow up on your application for a Social Security replacement card, you may have to return to the office where you filed your application. On your receipt there should be a local phone number for you to call and speak to someone about the status of your card. If you need the address to your local office, go to http://go.usa.gov/WtbF. We hope this helps.
andy
I am in MA and have tried the online replacement, but it won’t allow me to do it. It’s an endless loop of being sent down a dead end and logging in again.
R.F.
Hi Andy. We’re sorry that you are having difficulties. The site appears to be up and running. Please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account.
Note: Although our regular telephone service representatives are not available after 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, our Help Desk representatives can assist you until 12:00 midnight Eastern Time. Thanks!
jesse h.
hi my name is jesse smith i had A account years ago
it wont let me says create new one well i do that it say then it go’s back to you have a account ..so its sorta
like ping pong ..sure i am not first this happened to
i need a replacement SS card..
like to do this from my computer so i wait hear back from you ..thanks
jesse smith
Timothy L.
I dropped my wallet somewhere and I lost my social security card in my wallet how can I reply for a new one or what can I do about it thank you
R.F.
Hi Timothy, 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!
Dawn C.
My sons, girlfriend don’t have any Id at all her mother will not give it to her she is, 18 years, old . She tried asking everything she lives, with her dad,. She cannot get a job or anything with out any ID AT, ALL SHE KNOWS, HER SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER BUT DOES NOT GAVE THE CARD HOW, CAN SHE GET ANYTHING WITH NO ID PLEASE PLEASE HELP.
R.F.
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!
Shunda C.
I need a copy of my ss number
R.F.
Hi Shunda. Please visit our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page, to learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a replacement Social Security card.
Wilson A.
I lost my social security card, my drivers license, my green card. what can I do to replace my documents?
I don’t have any records of my social security number neither any other documents.
please help….
J.Y.
Hi Wilson, 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).
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!
josh
what do you do when you lost all forms of identification at the same time like ssc , birth certificate, ID, Passport
??????
Latanya m.
Can a copy of my Social Security card Be emailed to me.
R.F.
Hi, Latanya. In order to get a replacement Social Security card, you must apply for it. 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, visit our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!
lilian z.
my social security got lost