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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Tiffany S.
Hello. My social security card was stolen, i would like to get a replacement but my drivers License is under a different last name. Can i still use it even though it has my maiden name on my drivers License? Thank you for your time.
R.F.
Hello Tiffany, you can show whichever name you would like on your social security card, as long as you have evidence of what your legal name is. In order to correct or change your name on your Social Security card, you must show us a document that proves your legal name change. If the document you provide as evidence of a legal name change does not give us enough information to identify you in our records, you must show us an identity document in your old name (as shown in our records) and your new name.
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 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!
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Greg
I am seeking to replace a lost social security card. I plan to submit an original birth certificate. will you return that original birth certificate to me?
thanks
R.F.
Hello Greg. We do return all the original documents you provide, when submitting a request for a replacement Social Security card. However, a birth certificate is used as proof of birth and citizenship, we use it to establish your Social Security Record.
For a replacement card, we ask that you show us proof of identity. For example, you could use a valid driver’s license, a state-issued non-driver identification card or a
U.S. passport. Any document you present must be an original document or a certified copy.
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!
Remember, you may not need to get a replacement card. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important.
Gwenith K.
I need to know how to replace my lost card,
R.F.
Hi Gwenith, 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!
Brea
Hi! I mailed in all the necessary paperwork for a replacement card for my 15 year old son on 2/14/18 to the ssa office in Indianapolis close to my job. Mailed it from not far from there as well. I’m not sure how long it would take to process the applications that are mailed in, but I would’ve thought I would’ve received it by now.
Can you shed any light in this matter? Or can I call the office that I mailed it to?
Thank you in advance..I have a son who is trying to get a work permit 🙂
R.F.
Hi Brea! Typically, after we receive your application and verify your documents and process the application, you should receive your son’s Social Security card by mail within 10 business days. We also return all the original documents you provided.
To follow up on your application for a replacement Social Security card, contact the Social Security office where you filed your application. You can also call 1-800-772-1213, ask one of our agents to give you an update on the status of your son’s card. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week.
Please review the instructions provided in section “Learn what documents you will need to get a replacement Social Security Card” (for a child). We hope this helps.
nancy b.
someone stole my wallet today with me ss card in it. what do I do??
R.F.
Hi Nancy. We are sorry to hear that your card was stolen. You rarely need to show your Social Security card, knowing your number is what’s important. However, if you must get a replacement card, learn more on how to do this at http://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/.
If you are concerned that someone could misuse your Social Security number, visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on this topic. Thanks!
Mary K.
I have tried 2 times to create an account. This is my 3rd and last time to try again. It says it is created, but when I try to sign in it does not work. I am old and not much of a computer person so it should be simpler. All I need is a replacement card – or to mail me an application as I have no printer and no car to go to an office. It says iif I have a FL license I can do it online, but when I get to sign in it says my info is not correct after I created account and I just made it. Confusing
R.F.
We’re sorry to hear you’re having difficulties with accessing your account, Mary.
Please call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”, and one of our agents will assist you.
If for any reason you’re unable to get a replacement Social Security card online, 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. Please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page to determine which documents you need to apply for a replacement Social Security card. Thanks!
Elizabeth r.
hi my name is Elizabeth roper and my Wallet has stolen form me at Wichita,ks laundry mat at 9:45 pm when is done with our laundry and u can call my mom at 3165733849 asp thanks
R.F.
See our Frequently Asked Questions for important information about your Social Security card. Thanks!
felicia
what shall I do to get my replacement card? I lost all of my I.Ds, i don’t have no forms of I.D. My wallet was stolen all of my I.D’s was there. I do only have a copy of my birth certificate. please get back with me soon. I need a form of I.D. Thanks
R.F.
Hello Felicia, a birth certificate is generally used as proof of birth and citizenship, we use it when we first establish your Social Security record. To get a replacement card, 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. Thanks!
Bob K.
I Lost my SSI card and Passport. Now the SSI office will not give me a replacement card without my passport, and I am a US citizen, and I have my California DV licence . What do I do?