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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sandra
I asked you for a copy of your 2018 catalogue “Medicare and You” and have not received it YET?!?! ? !? !!
My address: 120 East. North St.Apt. #5
Manteca, CA 95336
PLEASE send it .
Will like a respond that you got this message; if you dont mind.
Janice E.
My name is Janice Ellingson dob 03/25/1938. Lost my ss card#xxx-xx-xxxx. Unable to get replacement on computer. Please issue me a new card.
R.F.
Hi Janice, you will have to apply for a replacement Social Security card.
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).
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.
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 learn more on the process and to see what documents you will need to get a card, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!
Steven B.
How do I change my %of tax to be taken out?
R.F.
Hello Steven, please go to our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits for information on this topic. Thanks!
Emily
I lost my ssc a few weeks back and now I need it to get insurance for myself and my baby. I don’t remember the number off the top of my head but I do have my ID. I need to know if you’ll be able to help me and if I need to pay you for a replacement card. Or if you can help me get one in general.
jorge m.
i need a new social security card
jorge m.
need new social security card
Joseph E.
How do I go about getting a new SS card? I was born in Washington, D.C.
R.F.
Hello Joseph, 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. Thanks!
Dennis k.
May Heaven help you if you EVER, have to try to replace you S/S card!!!
Brenda C.
Is it true that I can get more money if I go under my husbands. Someone said I could get half of his. Please advise.
R.F.
Hello Brenda. Your benefit as a spouse can be equal to one-half of your spouse’s full retirement amount -ONLY- if you start receiving benefits at your full retirement age.
If you qualify and apply for your own retirement benefits and for benefits as a spouse, we always pay your own benefits first. If your benefits as a spouse are higher than your own retirement benefits, you will get a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse benefit.
See “Benefits For Your Spouse” for more information. Thanks!
Dallr l.
Can an individual turn in someone for tax evasion? Erick Anderson Columbus, Ohio. He work as a bartender at Brio. He has been doing it for at least 10 years that I know of.
Joseph E.
Good for you.