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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mary m.
While trying to get a account they was not able to verify my informatiom. ss is *** – ** – *** Mary M.Obrien,Mary M.Jones. 09 01 1959
R.F.
Hello Mary. 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.
Just a reminder – Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media channels. Thanks!
Vanessa
What do ido if ineed to report a lost SSC?
R.F.
Hello Vanessa, you can get an original Social Security card or a replacement card if yours is lost or stolen. There is no charge for a Social Security card. This service is free.
Also, visit our Frequent Asked Questions web page “What should I do if I think someone is using my Social Security number?” for information on this topic. Thanks!
concern m.
please acknowledge isis involvement in the falsified hike of Obamacare scams thru social services agencies
.ganglords are forcing people in gangs to get their benefits checks because there ate no watchdog agencies vertyfing forms submitted i.e. homeless people names at grand central station SMO & BRC office call in to HRA so they can receive kick back payments from alleging person was sent to hotel for shelter when in fact person is sleeping either at penn station mta and/or on the public side walk
those that can see thru the scam they want to set them up with falsified police reports to have them restricted from the premises. ex. 127505651 made cash payment to ymca 47th street nyc hotel but same hotel logged in 127505651 as homeless in emergency and billed hRA bill was sent to 40 ann street 10038 address homeless people use homeless diversion cuts a check split it with BRC nypd get a referral fee for same scam . 40 annn street counsel
YOGI tell the homeless person you can no longer get your mail here since you have income get a po box . while they split check even false claim checks going to po box 278 10163 is split with the transporter Ms. tanya ?Banneron as she tips po box workers for access. please send out files workers to observe. such things make ny state a tablian state look on Friday 6/22/18 BRC /GCS log referral ss#5651 attempted to remove to captain Dominico but pd band radio was heard no came to front desk at police station. SON ss#7476 AEH given drug addiction by HRA staff does not have HIV but checks are being cut as if he in homeless shelter in need of h/c while he is able to do his all’s. Doreen Howard 1245has dementia kicked out the aha but now the neighbors are collecting her checks , her phone is tapped by nigerians fbi her mail is being rerouted
undocumented persons are collected tenants checks , the well fargo connection has a duplicated atm card being used by the scammers on ghost withdrawal and the government says we can’t figure it out
help
I
Debra C.
My wallet was stolen. It was returned however money was missing and so is my Social Security card. I need to report a lost Social Security card but what else do I need to do? And how do I get a replacement for free. I understand that if it is stolen it can be replaced.
R.F.
Hello Debra. Yes, you can get a replacement card if yours is lost or stolen. There is no charge for a Social Security card. This service is free. Please see our Frequently Asked Questions web page, for information on what you can do if you think someone is using your Social Security number. Thanks!
Claudia P.
I have spent almost an hour going through all of the required steps to obtain a replacement to find out you do not have access to the driver licence info needed to do so.
This has been a compete waste of time and effort and I am angry = jumping through all of these hoopes for nothing!
agustin v.
hi there yes I lost my social security card and I would like to get a replacement card with the same name and card number thank you
R.F.
Hi Agustin, 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!
Levi
Can I get a new social security card through here
Mark A.
My name is Mark Fallas and I have lost my Social Security card. How do I get a replacement. I have stage 5 renal kidney failure and am unable to sit and wait at our local office.
R.F.
Hello Mark, we offer the option to mail your completed application with original or certified documents to the nearest Social Security office or Card Center in your area.
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!
Juan C.
Good morning,
I have been living in Spain since 1999 and have recently been requested a copy of my United States social security card, which I can’t find anywhere. I am well aware of my number, but I can’t find the card. How to I obtain a new one?
R.F.
Hello Juan, we recommend that individuals living outside the United States contact their local U.S. embassy or nearest Federal Benefits Unit for any assistance related to Social Security services. Also, our Office of Earnings & International Operations web page provides important information for our customers living abroad.
We hope this helps!
James A.
I just want to report that I lost my card although I have a replacement. Just want avoid any fraudulent use of my number.
R.F.
Hello James. please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on this topic. Thanks!