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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David C.
Why were checks a week early?
Bill K.
I have lost my social security card. I have my US passport and my birth certificates. I do not have a driver’s license or state ID. Can I just bring my passport to the office to apply for a new card? Bringing only a passport should be enough to cover everything, right? Thanks!
R.F.
Hello Bill. An original U.S passport should be enough to apply for a replacement Social Security card.
A birth certificate is only used as proof of age and citizenship. Generally, we use your birth certificate to establish your Social Security number/record.
We prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security card. Also, 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 bring the completed application and your original documents to the nearest Social Security office or Card Center in your area. Thanks!
William S.
I have not received new Medicare card yet
R.F.
Hello William. Your new card will automatically come to you. You don’t need to do anything as long as your address is up to date. Mailing takes time. Your card may arrive at a different time than your friend’s or neighbor’s.
To learn more about your new Medicare card and view information by state, visit http://www.Medicare.gov. Thanks!
Victoria M.
My 85 year old mother has not seen her SS card in decades but now finds herself in need of a hard copy to get into subsidized housing. She relinquished her drivers license years ago and doesn’t have a state ID because there has never been any need. She collects her SS benefits and is also a veteran. Any advice you can give me on the best way to proceed would be appreciated.
R.F.
Hi Victoria, we prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security card. If your mother does not have one or cannot get one within a reasonable amount of time, we may be able to use other documents such as a health insurance card or U.S. military identification card.
Any document she submits, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show her name, and other identifying information (her date of birth or age).
To see if your mother is eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents she will need to get a card, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page on “Social Security Number and Card”.
We hope this helps!
Joshua G.
I jus want a application for replacement card mailed to me.
Joshua Greathouse
951 Idaho st
Akron, Ohio
44314
V.V.
Hi Joshua. We recommend you only obtain a replacement Social Security card if you need one. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. However, if you must get a replacement card, you will need to gather documents proving both your identity and citizenship status. For information on what documents are needed and how to apply, visit our Social Security Number and Card web page.
Matthew O.
I had to bring my ss card to a job interview as well as an original birth certificate and i never received either of these back. I used up my 10 requests as i thought 18 and under didn’t count as my mother was losing it all the time. I really, really need my card to get a job and i am not sure what to do next. Any help would be greatly appreciated at this point.
joseph m.
I recently moved to a new home in new developing community. I have completed replacement form on ss web site I can note get site to accept my new address Please help me get this complete thank you. Joseph watson
Debby D.
My ssan card has been stolen – along with Military ID, Drivers License & Passport . The thieves went into a bank using my identification & my ssan number. I’ve contacted the banks, reissued credit cards, etc., but they have my social security number. What can I do?
R.F.
Thank you for your service, Debby! If someone has misused your Social Security number or other personal information to create credit or other problems for you, Social Security can’t resolve these types of problems. We can only resolve Social Security number reporting problems on our own records.
If someone is using your number, there are several actions you can take. See our publication “Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number” for more information.
If someone has misused your Social Security number or other personal information to create credit or other problems for you, Social Security can’t resolve these type of problems. We can only resolve Social Security number reporting problems on our own records.
If someone is using your number, there are several actions you can take. See our publication “Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number” for more information.
If you have done all you can to fix the problems resulting from misuse of your Social Security number and someone still is using it, we may assign you a new number. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 if you need further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks!
Esther M.
I am trying to get a replacement card that was lost in a fire I need IT now as to law changes at DMV.. My license is coming for renewal soon, I Need MY SS CARD as to verification..PLEASE HELP.
R.F.
Hi Esther, 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).
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!
Carolyn S.
How
Long does it take for replacement card?
R.F.
Hello Carolyn. Typically, after we receive your application, verify your documents and process your request, you should receive your replacement Social Security card by mail within 10 business days. Thanks!