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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Stephanie
What they don’t tell you is that only some social security offices will do replacement cards! So you get to stand in line for 20 minutes only to find out you have to go to a different office! Imagine if you were disabled or limited to public transport? No way to know in advance; this info is not on the website. So now I have to bring my Mom to yet another office and hire someone to care for my disabled brother since instead of 1-2 hours, it will take 3-4 hours because the new location is in Minneapolis with limited parking. It doesn’t matter that she’s been collecting social security for nearly 20 years (she’s 84). The hospital lost her original card and she needs it to complete a sale of a property (yes, who knew?).
cleotilde m.
i needed badly a second copy of my ss card
V.V.
Hi there. First, realize you may not need a replacement card. 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 may be able to apply online. If you do not qualify to apply online, then you can apply by mail or visit your local office with required documentation. All documents must be either originals or certified copies. To learn more on how to get a replacement card and see if you can apply online, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page.
Pariss D.
hello I just purchased a replacement card. I just went online found out its free for a lost or stolen card. I need a duplicate copy
V.V.
Hi Pariss: The Social Security Administration does not charge for a replacement social security card. We recommend you only obtain a replacement 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. 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, visit our Social Security Number and Card web page. Thanks!
Donna J.
i wanted to give my change of address to you. my new address is
Yukon Ok 73099
(ss# XXX-XX-XXXX)
old address is
Bakersfield CA 93314
R.F.
Hello Donna. If you get Social Security benefits or are enrolled in Medicare, you can change your address online by using a my Social Security account.
Just a reminder – We do not have access to personal information in this venue. Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media channels. Thanks!
Donna J.
i wanted to give my change of address to you. my new address is
11308 SW 5th St.
Apt # 5317
Yukon Ok 73099
old address is
14035 Rosedale Hwy Space 149
Bakersfield CA 93314
maritza
I lost my social security card what should I do First.Any suggestions
V.V.
Hi Maritza, thank you for your question. First, realize you may not need a replacement card. 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 may be able to apply online. If you do not qualify to apply online, then you can apply by mail or visit your local office with required documentation. All documents must be either originals or certified copies. To learn more on how to get a replacement card and see if you can apply online, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!
Phillip C.
Ca you please mail me an application for a replacement ss card
R.F.
Hello Phillip, you can print the application for a replacement Social Security card here.
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!
Joe
Ok i know someone who took my social and it was my 3rd one what do i do. Do i make a report to get a new one or what
R.F.
Hello Joe, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on issues related to Social Security cards. Thanks!
Louis L.
I have not received a new medicare card.They emailed me that my address has not been confirmed, while I have informed the change of address for almost 2 years, even my driver’s license has changed.
Louis Le
1001 South Main St Apt M202
Milpitas, CA 95035
R.F.
Hello Louis. Your new Medicare card will automatically come to you. You don’t need to do anything as long as your address is up to date.
If you need to update your address, visit your my Social Security account or call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!
Vinicius
Hi, I’m a foreign who will be working in the US under a J1-Trainee visa starting on September (I already have a job with a designated sponsor). I already have a SSN from a previous J1 stint, but have misplaced the card and forgotten the number.
From the materials on SSA’s site I understand that in order to apply for a replacement card I would have to show up to a Social Security Office with my current passport, visa, I-94, DS 2019, letter from my sponsor etc. — all documents that I have readily available.
However, is it possible for me to show up to a Social Security Office and find out what my SSN is without applying for a replacement card (which could take weeks)? I ask because my employer will not be able to put me on their payroll, and it will be hard for me to rent an apartment, without a SSN — which I already have, just can’t remember.
Thanks in advance!
R.F.
Thank you for contacting us, Vinicius. Your Social Security number does not change. You will still have to complete an application for a replacement Social Security card.
One of our representatives will help you locate your Social Security number at the time we review your application, with your supporting (original) documents.
To locate the nearest Social Security office or Card Center near you, visit our office locator web page. Thanks!