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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Frances R.
Where do we mail replacement application form to local office or other.
R.F.
Hi Frances. If you’re referring to a replacement Social Security card, you can take or mail your application and (original) documents to the nearest Social Security office or Card Center in your area. Thanks!
Chad A.
I lost my social security card.
R.F.
Hi Chad, 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.
Go to our “Frequently Asked Questions” web page for more information. Thanks!
Julie s.
My card was stolen
R.F.
Hello Julie, 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. Go to our “Frequently Asked Questions” web page for more information. Thanks!
george d.
I was creating an account and and you sent me a verification code on e-mail as I asked. So I needed to retrieve it (I am old and do not have smart phone) and when I went back to the security page I did not go back to the application page. So do I enter the verification number for the form I completed.
Lenora H.
im trying to get my daughters social security card but when i fill out the form it asks for fathers name and social security. His name isnt on her birth certificate and when i try to click unknown or n/a it doesnt do anything. Any ideas
Annie
My dads wallet was stolen by employee at a VA home It had his social security card and State Id in it. Along with VA Id card Medicare card and supplemental cards. VA got the person but cards are destroyed. We have copy of State Id and VA ID, along with medical cards, but not social security card. Can the copies be used to obtain a new social security card along with birth certificate? We have new VA card coming. Have to have social security card to get new state ID , Dad is 83 years old. Need State ID to get Social Security Card replaced but if all is gone what do you use? No bank account kids take care of his financial needs. and his address is not for sure. Bills are all sent to one child to whom pays them all. which is used as his designated address. How do we fix this. then we will hang on to his original social security card and State Id this time so He and his kids can take care of his needs with social security and other events.
Josue B.
I want to know what do I have to do if I lost my ss card
Daniel P.
We have lost our 15 year old son’s social security card. How do we replace his card with him being a minor? Thanks, Dan Robinson (Dad)
R.F.
You or your son can apply for his replacement Social Security card, Daniel. As long as you provide documents needed to process the request for his replacement Social Security card.
As the father of a minor, you are allowed to sign the application. However, you must also provide documents that will help us identify you as the father. If your son completes and signs the application, we will only need his supporting documents.
Any document you submit, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show his/your name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age).
We prefer a government issued document with his/your picture, as proof of identity, 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.
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.
When ready, you can take or mail the completed application and (original/certified) documents to the nearest Social Security office or Card Center in your area.
You can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
We hope this information helps.
Grant S.
What is you fee for a replacement Social security card.
R.F.
Thank you for your question, Grant. 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. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for more information. Thanks!
Pat v.
What if she doesnt have state ID, passport, or other required info needed to obtain ss card. In order to get ID card she needs ss card. She lives in residential facility and hasn’t ever had drivers license or staye ID.