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. Christopher J.

    I need such documentation so I can complete an apartment rental. I have a valid in state drivers licensea as well as a qualified birth certificate. Time is of the essence. I would appreciate any help. I also have current ssa number.

    • R.F.

      Hi Christopher. 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.
      Typically, after we receive your application and verify your documents, you should receive your replacement Social Security card by mail within 10 business days.
      We hope this helps!

  2. ann m.

    you can’yt get an id without an ss card. you go to correct the spelling of your first name as it is different on card from birth certificate and they want an id. it is a vicious circle and a shame when an amercian born citizen has to go through so much when they have a job waiting on them.. how are homeless people supposed to get an id or ss number so they can a job and back on their feet.

  3. Cassidy

    What documents do you need when you mail in the new registration form for a new social security card?

    • R.F.

      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. Thanks!

  4. Rudy D.

    You can not apply for a replacement ss card on line. I meet all the requirements you have listed site tells you to go to local office check it out!

  5. Patricia D.

    Hello,

    I´m from Germany and have been in the US (Colorado) as an Aupair in 2017. I need to fill out my taxes this year but have lost my social security number which I need. Since I´m back in Germany I wanted to ask you where I can find out what my Social Security Number was.

    Thank you
    Patricia Dziatkowski

    • R.F.

      Hello Patricia, we recommend that individuals living outside the United States contact the local U.S. embassy or consulate for any assistance related to Social Security. Thanks!

  6. Luu N.

    I’ve just replaced my new social security card. But I’m worry why she didn’t give my old card back. Does it matter?

    • R.F.

      Thanks for your question Luu. 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.

  7. Karen A.

    Need form to fill out for a replacement card. Please email me the form

    • R.F.

      Hi Karen! For security reasons, we do not do direct messaging in this venue.
      To see if you’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to print the application, and 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!

  8. George

    What am i not completeing correctly

  9. Amr B.

    I am an Egyptian, I was studying in the US from 1993 – 1995 at Poudre High School, Fort Collins, Colorado. And I was living at 1600 W. Plum #27H, Ft. Collins, Colorado 80521.
    I had a social security number and I lost it and do not know its number. Right now I am at Rochester MN and I was wondering if I can issue a new one .

  10. Daniel S.

    Between 1/10/18 and 2/12/18, I’ve requested and/or applied for my SS replacement card three times; twice online at SSA.gov and once at the local SS office in Pembroke Pines, FL because I can’t find my original one. Each time I’m told it will take 7-10 business days to receive my replacement card but unfortunately, and to my dismay, I haven’t received anything as yet.

    I’ve called the 800 number for SSA twice, once waiting almost 1 hour for a representative, only to be told “We have no control over the USPS, you just need to reapply again.” I continue to patiently wait on my SS card to come in the mail, but my situation is urgent as I lost my job in December 2017, and the company I applied for a position with on 1/10/18 can’t hire me until I provide them with my SS card. I need to be earning income and I need my SS replacement card to provide my prospective employer, but I’m losing hope that I’ll ever get my card and feel the system is failing me for such a simple request.

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