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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Joy L.
I am so fed up with getting mailings with my husband’s name on them and NOT mine.
My name is Joy L Sayler. It is NOT Joy Snethen.
Why does the ssa continue to use my name inappropriately? I NEVER (not ever) gave anyone permission to remove my real name.
R.F.
We apologize for any inconvenience, Joy. It appears that we may have to make a correction on your Social Security record. To verify the information, please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or visit your local Social Security office directly. Thanks!
Jean N.
I am retired and am using my original Social Security Card. When I can expect the new updated card?
Thank you.
Eleanor O.
Hello,
I have used my social security account several times using my user name and password, but now for some reason I cannot access my account as the program suddenly does not recognize my password. I do not know what to do now. Please advise.
R.F.
Hello Eleanor. If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
•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”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!
Jacquelyn L.
stolen medicare and social security card
R.F.
Hi Jacquelyn. If your Medicare card was lost or stolen, you can ask for a replacement by using your online my Social Security account.
We prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security 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!
Kylle M.
How do I change my last name
Recently divorced and want to use maiden name, card was initially issued under that name
R.F.
Thank you for your question, Kylle. If you want to change your name on your Social Security card, you must complete an application for a new Social Security card and show us a document that proves your legal name change (divorced decree). 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 another document showing 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).
To learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a corrected card, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page. When ready, you can take or mail your completed application and your original documents to the local Social Security office or the nearest Card Center in your area. We hope this helps!
Normally I.
About 2 months ago I called to report my grandson’s S.S. card which is lost. His name is Elijah Munoz, d.o.b…2,14,09. . Our P.O.BOX is 3180
Helendale , Ca. 92342 thank you!
Diane C.
I cannot access my online social security. When I put in my user name and account no., it locked me out. Then it said I have to create a new account. Then new account said I already have an account. Help.
R.F.
Hello Diane. If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
•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”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!
Alassana F.
Please i need my social security card;and this is my number :
987 319 537.
Thanks.
R.F.
Social Security Number and Card.
Tommy a.
You want people to update their online account and put in a new password, but when I did that to my account I’m locked out. I tried to call today and sat on the phone for over and hour and I still didn’t get to talk to anyone. I need to know how to get back into my account. I also tried my husband’s account and I couldn’t get into his either.
R.F.
We’re sorry that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume. If you are still having trouble accessing your my Social Security account, please call our dedicated “my Social Security-Hotline”. Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), at the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time, if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks!
Trish M.
Waiting for a response
R.F.
Hi Trish, 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.
* If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
•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”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office.
We hope this information helps!