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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Steven A.
Please help me to understand exactly what is needed to mail in a request for a social security card replacement. I have already applied once, using my birth certificate and it was returned stating that I had not met documentation requirements. So, from my understanding you
also need a copy of my driver license, my question is what do I need to do to give you a copy that is acceptable for your agency? I guess I am having trouble understanding what is considered certifiable copy.
R.F.
Hi Steven! Generally, birth certificates are used as proof of birth. We use your birth certificate to establish your original Social Security record.
To get a replacement card, we prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity. 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 & Card” web page. We hope this helps!
Kenneth B.
I am unable to locate my S.S. card.I have wasted a lot of time in search of why or if I need to go to the bother to apply for another card since I am age 87, haven’t been employed for 30 years. I do not need or want another card. YOUR COMMENT PLEASE.
R.F.
Thank you for contacting us, Mr. Briner.
Knowing your Social Security number is what is really important. You will rarely need to show your card. However, if you decide to get a replacement card you may be able to apply online. Also, we offer the option to mail your completed application with original or certified documents to your local Social Security office or the nearest Card Center in your area.
To learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card, please visit our “Social Security Number & Card” web page. We hope this helps!
Vanessa B.
I need a replacement card
R.F.
Hi vanessa, 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 & Card” web page. We hope this helps!
Katheryn H.
Hi, I am 17 and have lost my Social security card. I know my number but need a new card. Where do I go and what documents do I need?
R.F.
Hi Katheryn, 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!
Lan D.
Hi Madam & Sir.
My Name Is Lan Duong . I lost my hand bag and I lost money ,cell phone and Social security at Warmast.I call 911 and I have the Report of police . The Police can not find my bag . Please Help me how can I get Social Security .Coul dyou so me Thanks so much.
Marilyn S.
I’ve lost my s.s. card. I need a new one.
R.F.
Hello Marilyn! 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 for more information, thanks.
Vera L.
I lost my card today, 1-31-2018, how and who do I report this to?
R.F.
Hi Vera, you can replace your Social Security card for free if it’s lost or stolen. 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.
Thanks!
Vera L.
i lost my social security card today, 1-31-2018, who do i report this to and how.
Haha!
So sorry, but no job without social security card! Hahaha! Gave your card to employer who didn’t give it back? Too bad. Forgot about that until you needed it again? That’s a shame. Went to Social Security with proof? You want it today? Two weeks pal, no exceptions. So you missed out on the job you needed. Oh well, get a new one and make 10 copies and that’s all anybody is ever going to get. A copy. They will never get a hold of my original ever again. Don’t accept that? Too bad.
Daniel S.
How about I’ve been waiting for a replacement card since 1/10/18 and NOTHING YET! Two weeks?? I wish! And you can bet when/if I finally get my replacement, I’m gonna make at least a dozen copies and put the original card in a safe!
maria g.
where do I mail the application to receive my replacement card …???? I live in san diego now I don’t know where to mail this application
R.F.
Thank you for contacting us, Maria. You can take or mail your application and original documents to your local office or Social Security Card Center.
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!