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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Danette S.
My mother in law has lost her social security card. We have completed the online application, but I am confused if we have to send in her actual driver’s license or a photocopy.
R.F.
Hello Danette, if your mother in law applied for a replacement Social Security card online using her “my Social Security account“, she only had to provide her driver’s license information, she is not required to send us any documents.
See “Social Security Number and Card” for general information on how to obtain a replacement Social Security card. Thanks!
Daisy T.
What do I need to report if someone stole my purse with all my documents in it? Along with my social security card inside.
K.O.
Hello Daisy. We are sorry to hear about your stolen purse. You will rarely need to tender your Social Security card nowadays. Knowing your number is the most important thing. However, if you must get a replacement Social Security card, see Social Security Number and Card for more information. Additionally, if you are concerned that someone could misuse your Social Security number, please see our publication, “Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number” for more information. We hope this is helpful.
Edna M.
Didn’t receive my 1099 tax for 2018 would like to get it mailed to me. Edna M Ruff 1201 Hazelwood Rd Columbia S.C. 29209.
Janna M.
I created an account on Mysocialsecurity and when I go to log in, my username and password does not work! What should I do. Then I went to create a new account and it says that an account already exist in my name but I cannot access the account
R.F.
We’re sorry that you had difficulty accessing your my Social Security account, Janna. If you are still having trouble accessing your account, please call our dedicated my Social Security-Hotline. To reach this hotline, call 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!
teri m.
my daughter is getting a job she is sixteen her sic has been lost i filled out form to get replacement card and prepaid for card my question is do i have to send in her original id how will she drive? or a copy of birth certificate ?
R.F.
Hi Teri, some businesses offer Social Security name changes or cards for a fee. Social Security provides those services for free. Do not pay for something we will give you free. When you submit an application for a replacement Social Security card, all documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.
To learn more on the process and what documents she will need to get a card, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page. If she needs further assistance, she can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. We hope this information helps!
Marvin L.
I tried to replace a lost social security card my wife lost 24 hours ago. I have her birth certificate and both our passports and our marriage certificate, I know both of SS numbers.. I filled out the online form that required her birth name and her mothers name , fathers same, location, Date of BIrth , and location of the the birth hospital. There was no instructions to follow or direct after filling out the form to get that replacement card replaced.. She needs the card to register at the doctor’s office. There was confusion regarding who it was I was going to be obtaining the replacement card..A seperate company or a local SS office.. A company or th SS office. if I was being handled by a a second party to” help” which apparently had a service with a charge which is OK if it was available after the file was patently filled as instructed which seemed unnecessary if you provided instructions for delivering the information and fee if necessary despite the SS that offers a free service wihich I would have gladly paid for if instead of wasting time online . MY wife needs a replacement for hery SS (medicare card ) card. since her primary medical insurance is with Medicare. The site which sounded simple to obtain a SS card had no follow-up instructions post filling out the form. I am the one applying for this replacement for my wife who lost her purse and is ill and she needs her SS card is to register at doctor’s offices since our Primary Health car is Medicare. MY wife is not well and required my helping her get this “simple” request satisfied so she can register at the MD’s offices which is required at most physicians offices) So can anyone on the site replace her lost Medicare card. or do I have to call on our Senaor or Congressman.to ask for help?
LauraJones
I ordered a replacement social security card on April 19th 2018. I have yet to receive it in the mail how long will it take?
albertina
Hi! I am trying to recover my u.s ssn #. I was in the State 1986-1989. I have no other information except for when I went to school and the street name I was in.
Thank you.
Angela
Urgent
My friend is traveling in Sarajevo Bosnia. Her pocket is stolen and the SS card and driver licence are lost on 5/18/2018. How to report it now? Thank you!
Annabelle
What happens when the US Citizen is living abroad, loses their SS card but doesn’t realize it until hoing to renew their passport…..oh, she….my sister, doesn’t remember her SS number either.
R.F.
Thank you for your question Annabelle. If you live outside of the United States, there are a number of Federal Benefits Unit which have specially trained personnel to assist you in seeking Social Security services, including processing requests for a replacement of your Social Security card.
You will have to complete an application and provide certain documents. For general information on how to get a replacement Social Security card, and 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.
For a complete list of Federal Benefits Units and contact information, visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov/foreign. We hope this information helps