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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Charles m.
Need new card. Mine is lamenated and not
Considerated legal
429 Hartnell place
Sacramento, Calif.
95825
Lana H.
I was told someone would call me back in less than 2 weeks That was 4 + weeks ago to discuss setting up a meeting at the Superior/Louisville Colorado office.
I’m still waiting, Here is my cell # 303-877-5786.
Norton G.
My wife needs a copy of her mother’s social security card for the death certificate. She cannot locate the card. Is there a way to get a copy of the card in order to process the death certificate. There was an error by the funeral home with the SS number on the form. The state now requires the original card.
R.F.
Hello Norton, you can request a copy of Social Security Number Application (Form SS-5) of a deceased person, using online Form SSA-711. Please visit our Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) web page for complete information. Thanks!
Ron H.
My statement say’s I should get $1,503.00 a month. But my check is only $1,498.00. Why?
R.F.
Hi Ron! Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot answer your question at this time. One of our representatives should be able to provide you with an explanation. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. Thanks.
Marsha M.
My husband and I are applying with Pima County for help on replacing the Roof on the house. And they need copies of our SSI cards.
R.F.
Hi Marsha, 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).
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!
Dave S.
I found me Social Security card
Monica C.
My social security card as well as my sons ss card were stolen and we need replacement cards. If I go to a ss office does he have to accompany me if I have documentation that he is my son? And what documentation should I take? I have a drivers license and a birth certificate for myself and him also.
R.F.
Thank you for your question, Monica. Generally, we use your birth certificate as proof of place and date of birth. We use it to establish your Social Security record.
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.
However, if you must get a replacement card, you will have to show us proof of your identity. We prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security card.
To see if you and your son are 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.
If you cannot apply online, you can apply at your local Social Security office or the nearest Card Center in your area. You may bring in the completed form for your son with his proof of ID. Generally, each applicant is required to complete and sign the application for a replacement card. Remember, 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). We hope this helps!
Jillian
My uncle is 65 does not know his ss number and has no copies. The only document with his name on it is his Birth certificate. How would one go about getting a replacement?
Susan
How do we find the social security number of a family member who just died and we do not have any documents just the Medicare ID card which I believe is under the deceased spouse.?
Denise
My niece is 21 and only has an expired passport from when she was in grade school (no drivers license or other state-issued ID). No idea where her birth certificate is but she is a US citizen. She lost her social security card. What can she do to get a replacement card so she can get a license and try to get a job?