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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
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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Trish M.
Have an account unable to connect created a new one save problem. I lost my SS card in hurricane Katrina, along with everything else. Trying for ten years to get a new card what is the deal thank you
Carolyn J.
I had to order new checks from Bank America today, was asked for my SS # but couldn’t find it.I can see it now,it’s a paper one.
I live alone,have to use a walker am Ok from the neck up, below the neck, not so good. My brother and family live in NC while I am in NYS.
Last time I was in the hospital for surgery I had it with me, but no more. I had cleaned out my pocketbook, and probably accidentally threw it away,if so,it’s my fault.
I need those new checks from Bank America, I really do,no problem getting them from TD Bank today.
If it helps
DOB 6/26/39
Again, talking about an existing SS card, NOT the new ones that all of us are being sent.
Thanks in advance,
Carolyn J Male
R.F.
Hi Carolyn. First, realize 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, visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page, to get information on the process and what documents you will need to get a card. You may be eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online.
if you cannot apply 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.
We hope this information helps!
Sarah H.
I realized a few days ago that my social security card was not in my wallet (I know you’re not supposed to carry it in your wallet but I have for years). My drivers license is still there (it was behind my drivers license)…..so maybe it just fell out. I would like to request a new SS card.
R.F.
Hi Sarah, 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.
Some businesses offer Social Security name changes or cards for a fee. Social Security provides those services and more for free. Thanks!
K
I lost my social security card. I applied for a new one using your online system, and when it did not arrive after a few weeks, I visited the local Social Security office. I have now been to the office three times. My replacement card has never arrived. I was told it “would take up to two weeks” to receive my replacement card in the mail. It has now been 2 months. The people in the office told me they had no way of tracking whether or not my card would ever arrive and that their online system was not connected to their physical offices. Not really sure what to do now. I live in Silicon Valley and am surprised that Social Security is still operating as though it is 1972 and have not implemented a helpful computer system that actually allows me to successfully order a replacement card.
R.F.
We apologize for any inconvenience. Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot provide an explanation at this time. You should apply for a replacement Social Security card -again- at the local Social Security office. You can request to speak with the office manager to see how we can help you process your request for a replacement Social Security card effectively.
Thanks.
MARY W.
I live in Mississippi and I can never find the link to so I can apply for a replacement SSC online. I have an online account.
mariela
hola soy madre de mi hijo menor de edad se me extravio el social security de el como hago para recuperarlo
R.F.
Social Security Number and Card (Número y tarjeta de Seguro Social). For information in Spanish visit http://www.segurosocial.gov. Thanks!
Priscilla L.
I filled out and sent an application for SS benefit back in Nov 15/2017 and know one let me know what is the status of my application. The person received my application just not answering many of my email about it.
please let me know how can I get help I live in Ecuador now and I need my benefit.
Thank you priscilla
Sheila N.
Lost my SS card
Glenn D.
change my e-mail address
Dale B.
I am a 71 year old military veteran, american born citizen. I live 150 miles from the nearest Social Security office. I need a replacement social security card and cannot get one!! I’ve been getting SS payments for 6 years but can’t get a card without driving 3 hours each way! WHY???