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.
Paul W.
When I request a replacement card, do I get my original documents or certified copies of documents back?
R.F.
Thanks for your question, Paul. If you mail in your original documents or certified copies, we will return them to you. 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. To locate the nearest Social Security office or card center, click here. We hope this helps!
Good luck! We hope this helps!
Rich
Back in 2011 my SS card was stolen from my desk at work when I accidentally left it overnight and a security guard who was later fired for stealing, most likely took it.
2 days ago the card turned up in my mailbox, apparently hand delivered since it wasn’t in an envelope and no one rang the doorbell. Is this normal for SS to return a lost card in this fashion? It was very creepy, honestly, since we moved many times since 2011
R.F.
Thanks for your question. Rich. Our guidelines instructs our employees to immediately destroy Social Security cards that are no longer valid. Any returned Social Security cards are immediately destroyed to protect a person’s private information. See our Frequently Asked Questions for more information. Thanks.
Markel D.
How to replace a lost social security by mail?
Markel D.
How to apply for a replacement ss card by mail
R.F.
Hello Markel. We offer the option to mail your completed application with original or certified documents to your local Social Security office or to the nearest Card Center in your area. 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. Thanks!
Mitch
The only form of ID I have is my birth certificate, I need to get my social because I lost it, what all do I need to bring to get a replacement social security card?
R.F.
Hi Mitch, 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!
Toula c.
There is an error on my birthdate and I cannot apply for a replacement card
R.F.
Hi. You will need to visit the local Social Security office or the nearest Card Center in your area, complete an application and submit evidence of age and evidence of identity to support the change. We’ll need to see a certified copy of your birth certificate to correct your date of birth on our records. Your valid State ID or Driver’s License or your U.S. passport can be used as proof of identification. We hope this helps.
Lana J.
I have my Medicare card with my social security # on it but my SS card was washed and destroyed in the laundry. I need to replace it. How do I do that?
R.F.
Hi Lana, 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!
Emmanuel
While filling out the replacement form it tells me to put my social security number , What if I don’t know what social security number is?
Matiana G.
Need to replace SS debit card for incapacitated 66 yr. old brother who has no email. Without a valid email am unable to proceed with process. Please respond.
R.F.
Hi Matiana. First of all, it sounds like your brother may need help managing his Social Security benefits. If you or another relative are interested in applying to become your brother’s representative payee, you will need to contact your local office for a face-to-face interview. As a representative payee, you will be able to talk with us and have access to your brother’s records. In the future, it will make it easier for you to update his account information. We understand how inconvenient this may be, but we hope that you understand our role in protecting everyone’s personal information. If you have specific questions, or to make an appointment, please call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to speak to one of our representatives. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week.
For all questions related to the Direct Express card, cardholders should call their customer service toll free number at 1-888-741-1115. Thanks.
Matiana G.
Need to replace a SS Debit card for incapacitated 66yr. old brother. Email is requested but he has no email and mine does fit the request.