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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Julie V.
My son lost his social security card. He is 18 years old, but does not have a driver’s license. He does have an expired passport card. (it expired in June 2017). Is there any way we can get a replacement without a driver’s license? Thank you.
Caleb
Do I send my physical DL in the mail with the replacement paperwork for a replacement SSC?
amy l.
I need a replacement ss card,i filled out application and they want 39.00. I thought it was free
R.F.
Hello Amy. You can get an original Social Security card or a replacement card if yours is lost or stolen. There is no charge for a Social Security card.
This service is free!
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 “Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!
James L.
does not answer the question. The question is can I get a card reprinted and not wait two weeks.
Christina M.
I changed my last name back to my maiden name the beginning of December 2016. I have not received the new Social Security card in the mail yet. How do I go about having one sent to me?
R.F.
Hi Christina! Typically, after we process your application, you should receive your replacement Social Security card by mail within 10 business days. To follow up on the status of your application or your 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’re unable to visit the local office, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. One of our agents may be able to help you and provide you further guidance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. You will generally have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day, or later in the week.
Daniel S.
Sadly Ray, I tried what you suggested and neither the local office nor the phone agent could give me an answer as to why I haven’t received my replacement card that I applied for on 1/10/18. Their only reply is “We have no control over the USPS. You’ll just need to reapply again.” How many times do I have to reapply before I finally get one?? I can tell you, as of 2/12/18 I’ve submitted 3 requests, at ssa.gov and the local office, for my replacement card to be issued! I’ve been waiting MUCH LONGER than 7-10 business days and I really need the job I applied for since I’ve had no income since 12/2017!
Katherine
So I can’t find mine, my son’s and husband’s social security cards, I can show the documents for mine and my husband’s but my son is two and all I have is his birth certificate. How can I get him a new social card?
R.F.
Thank you for your question, Katherine. A birth certificate is generally used to establish your date of birth and citizenship. We do not accept a birth record as an identity document, when requesting a replacement Social Security card.
You can use a certified copy of medical record (clinic, doctor, or hospital), immunization record, or letter providing extract data from the medical record showing, the child’s name and the child’s DOB or age.
Remember, you may not need to get a replacement card, you rarely need to show your card. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important.
If you must get replacement cards, fill out and print an application for a Social Security card; and take or mail your application and (original or certified) documents to your local Social Security office or the nearest Card Center in your area.
Please visit our Social Security Number and Card web page for complete information.
Anne C.
I paid $39 for a new ssi card – I am 66 years old and I had misplaced the one I received when I was 16 – I did not receive a thing, AND was locked out of my social security – I would like the replacement card and I do not want to pay twice!
james j.
lost my ss card
R.F.
Hi James, 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 “Social Security Number and Card” web page.
We hope this helps!
james j.
Lost my social security card
Chris F.
what do you need to get Social Security cards for my kids they have been lost or misplaced
R.F.
Hi Chris. To get a replacement Social Security card for a child, you must show us documents proving your child’s identity. You also must prove your own identity. You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies.
All documents must be current (not expired). We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your U.S. passport as
proof of both citizenship and identity.
You can take or mail the applications and original documents to your local office or Social Security Card Center. Typically, it takes about 10 business days to receive your cards by mail, after we process the applications.
Visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page for complete information. Thanks!