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
Comments
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Frederick R.
I have my old card but never received the new one. Am I OK?
Martha H.
The above is too long.
Please send a brief efficient reply!
With thanks from
Martha
Linda D.
My ex-husband died 7 yrs ago. I have two grown children by him. I was married to him for 17 years. I have re-married. Can I draw from his social security. I am unable to work. My age is 61.
J W.
It would be amazing if this information were accurate but I wasted my time and energy (not to mention creating an online account that I really didn’t want to establish) in exchange for not having to wait over two hours at my local social security office to replace my card. I meet all the criteria for online replacement. Yet, the website throws me back in a constant loop that ends in “contact your local social security office”. Please stop touting services you can’t deliver. My email contact to try to get this resolved was also a joke. Every reply points me back to several hours sitting in the dingy and disgusting local office.
Pearly W.
I need a social security card
Dinio D.
Well I lost my card so how can I get s new one
Pearly W.
I need a social security card.
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!
Patrick R.
I am thinking about changing banks and would like like to know who to change my direct deposit information.
Mary C.
Can I change my direct social security deposit to a different bank on line or do I have to come into the office?
R.F.
Hello Mary, you can start or update your direct deposit by using your personal my Social Security account!
In April we celebrate “National Social Security Month“, see what you can do online at http://www.SocialSecurity.gov. Thanks!
Mark H.
I lost the ability to access my on line account more than a month ago. I was told I’d be mailed info necessary to reset my account.
I have not received that letter. Please let me know what steps to take to reactivate my on line account.
Thanks
R.F.
Hello Mark! 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.
David B.
I cannot log into my account and sent the email asking for help and never got a response. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you
R.F.
Hello David. We do not have access to personal information, therefore, we do not do direct messaging in this venue.
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!