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. Sarah S.

    i am a green card holder i am 18 years old. i got my social security no. march 2017, i have been outside the US for 9 months now and i have lost my SSA. i am returning back to the US in the next few days i need to know how to get a new one or replace my social security no. and how long it takes get get a new one. and if there is any fees needed or required documents.

    • Sarah S.

      in addition to that my father is the one who done it for me before, we dont talk anymore for personal problem, he is an american citizen, will i need anything from him like document or his SSN of his passport copy or anything to return my SSN back??? PLEASE HELP i am travelling within 4 days PLEASE HELP

    • R.F.

      Hi Sarah! We don’t charge a fee to replace your Social Security card, we will replace it for free.
      You will need to visit a Social Security office or the nearest Social Security Card Center in your area, to apply for a replacement Social Security card.
      You will be required to show us your current U.S. immigration documents. Preferably, your Permanent Resident Card or your unexpired foreign passport with Form I-94 (the stamp showing arrival date/Departure Record).
      You should receive your card in about 2 weeks after we have everything we need to process your application. If we need to verify any document with the issuing agency, it may take longer. We hope this information helps.

  2. Portia M.

    We have lost our mothers social security number and card. We have date of birth and date of death. How do I get a new card or her S.S. number?

  3. Eve D.

    I went to Social Seciurity Office to update my name changed. I show the officer my documents (application form/my citizenship certificate and my old ssn card). When its done the officer return all the documents to me except my old SS card. Is it right that i must surrender old card? What if that Officer keep the card and use my information? Just worry in case. Thank you.

    • R.F.

      Thanks for your question, Eve. 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.

  4. Loren C.

    You government offices are so ineffective. I lost my wallet several weeks ago. I got my replacement drivers license online from DMS with my new address but I can’t get an address change online from the Postal Service nor a replacement social security card from SSA.

  5. Loren C.

    I was denied even applying for a replacement card, which is so typical of these “its easy” e-apps. I gave all the pertinent info but if something doesn’t match..say address, (not like people move occasionally), the whole system becomes unusable.

  6. Lily W.

    The application asks for my child’s social security number but I do not know it (that is why I am applying). So can I turn in the application without the social security number?

    Also, you mentioned that I cannot send in photocopied documents. I assume you are not suggesting I send in my daughter’s original identification (passport and birth certificate). Did I misread that or am I only allowed to apply in person?

  7. Jamie l.

    Cant someone still use my social security number since I’ve lost my card?

  8. anthony j.

    Hello,

    I had a house fire 2 weeks ago where I lost everything. I am trying to figure out how to replace my birth certificate and social security card.

    Thank you.

    • R.F.

      Hi Anthony, 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!

  9. gerald d.

    the website says I can apply for a new SS card (I LOST MINE) if I have a valid California Drivers license, not changing my name; I have all of this but there is not link to do any requesting of a new card online.

    Do I have to go to a local office?

    • R.F.

      Hi Gerald, you can create and use a my Social Security account to apply for a replacement Social Security card, if you meet all the requirements.
      The site appears to be up and running. If you are having difficulties with your personal my Social Security account, 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. Thanks!

  10. Young F.

    Currently it appears like Drupal is the best blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

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