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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Jung C.
I need to change my direct deposit of my social security check to my bank in Taiwan because I am now living in Taiwan after my retirement, what can I do?
Kathleen M.
I need to replace my SSC because 25 years ago I had it lamenated. I was told that I shouldn’t have done that but no where on my card says that. I was sent a application for a Social Security and paid money but the paperwork was returned to me saying they do not accept plastic — I sent a copy of my DL and SScard.How do I get a duplicate card?
R.F.
Thank you for contacting us, Kathleen. First of all, there is no charge for a Social Security card. This service is free. You can get an original Social Security card or a replacement card if yours is lost or stolen.
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.
When ready, you can take or mail the completed application with the (original or certified copy) documents, to the nearest Social Security office or Card Center in your area.
We hope this information helps!
Jerry Y.
I did not lose my SS card. I did lose my old Medicare card which had my SS # on it. Is there a way to report this so my SS # is protected from getting in the wrong hands?
Elizabehth
how do you get a free social security card replacment
R.F.
Hi Elizabeth, 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!
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Harold K.
I have a permanently developmentally disabled son whose replacement medicare card was lost. How do I get the card replaced for him. I draw Social Security and Medicare and he was put under my name. However, I see that I cant apply for a replacement card for him. what can I do?
R.F.
Hello Harold. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or contact your local Social Security office directly. Thanks!
Heather C.
My nephew is homeless and he has lost all his documents except has his Birth Certificate. He is trying to get an ID for himself but doesn’t have any other documentation. What can he do they told him he needs his BC and SS In order to get an ID. How will he be able to get a replacement SS card?
Please send me any information you have.
Thank you,
R.F.
Hi Heather! Generally, a birth certificate is used as proof of age and citizenship. We use your birth certificate when we first establish your Social Security record.
We prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security card. In your nephew’s situation, we may be able to use other documents such as:
•Health insurance card; or
•U.S. military identification card.
Any document he submits, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show his name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age).
Also, realize that we may not always need a replacement card. We rarely need to show it. Knowing our Social Security number is what is important.
To see if he is eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents he will need to get a card, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page.
We hope this helps!
rafael c.
I never memorized my ssn. it has been quite time now since i lost it ;for time being i live in venezuela, southamerica and now i require it for paperwork of legacy, please help me rafael campos
R.F.
Hello Rafael, we recommend that individuals living outside the United States contact the nearest Federal Benefits Unit or U.S. Embassy in their area for assistance with Social Security services. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. Thanks!
Susan S.
Can my 17 year old grandson go by himself to Social Security to order a new card? His is lost
R.F.
Hello Susan. Yes, he will be able to apply for a replacement card. To learn more on the process and what documents he will need to get a card, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page.
When ready, he can mail or take the completed application with original documents (or certified copies), to the nearest Social Security office or Card Center in the area.
We hope this helps!
Michael A.
Why can’t you replace the card at the office? Why the 10-day mailout? If someone has their valid ID documents, it seems unnecessary to make them wait an additional 10 or so days to get the card, especially in an emergency. Do you actually have an emergency replacement process, or is it just ‘too bad’?