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. I p.

    I’ve had my original SS card replaced, because my father misplaced it somewhere in his apartment. I’ve got my first replacement of my original card. Just applied for a job and now I’ve misplaced my card somewhere in my house. Both times, they are not stolen. Only misplaced.
    Can I get a third replacement?
    Next time, it’ll stay in one place for once. I want to know before I fill out a form. I don’t want to have a new SS number and reapply to the job with a different number. I still do have my number memorized well though.

    • R.F.

      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!

      • I p.

        Thank you 🙂

      • I p.

        Sorry. One more thing; If I’m eligible for a replacement card, will my number still be the same? Or will it change?

        • R.F.

          Your Social Security number will be the same. Thanks!

  2. PETE S.

    Wow this is neat and a surprise, I have the documentation I just can not wait 10 days. I have an account w/mySocialSecurity only my mailing address and phone number changed and I need a card asap. by the way I thought I was just leaving a comment on an online board if you can help I am happy to give you my real info

  3. PETE S.

    Why does EVERYTHING with our government take so LONG and make NO sense? With all the taxes paid cannot the United States government purchase a printer???? I need an SS card for a new employer and what does my government do best (until Trump became President) is get in the way of working Americans. ** HOW ABOUT ALL THE ILLEGALS W/STOLEN CARDS AND FOLKS ON DISABILITY ANSWER THE PHONES I HAVE BEEN ON HOLD FOR OVER AN HOUR. GO FIGURE YOUR OFFICE IS CLOSED WHEN WORKING HOURS ARE DONE SO I NEED TO TAKE THE DAY OFF TO GET MY CARD. THANK GOD FOR TRUMP

  4. tommie l.

    i thank ssi. for helping us,it’s a blessing just need my card replace

    • R.F.

      Hi Tommie, 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 information helps!

  5. Cora V.

    my Social Security Card was stolen in my wallet with credit cards. I want to find out how to get a new one.

  6. Enrique R.

    I lost my card think someone stole it and I want to let you know incase un publish things happen with it or something un usual can happen…

  7. Nick

    I am currently abroad but work with a company in America and I’m applying for a replacement card online. As I currently don’t have a valid drivers license can I use my passport as the Identification instead?

  8. Yuji H.

    Dear Sirs/ Madams

    I lost my SSN card when I moved back to Japan.
    I lievd in US from 1976-2009. I need to have my SSN card to present Japan Pension office. Or how I can obtain the proof of my SSN?
    I really appreciate your kind attention.
    My SSN *** – ** – ***
    Yuji Hoshina

  9. Royce

    I need a social security card for my minor child to get a instruction permit in Nevada. He does not have any identification other than a birth certificate.

  10. arielbelk

    i dont have my id card and i lost my social security card …. and i dont have to other paper … what to do and is this a way for u to help me

Comments are closed.