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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Ashley j.
I’m on disability for elderly and disabled and lost all my I’d cards. Can I get a replacement SS card w out I’d because I’m on disability?
Sharon R.
I did not receive my new social security card
My address is:
Deal Island MD 21821
V.V.
Sharon, we apologize for the inconvenience. For security reasons, we do not have access to information about your Social Security card application in this venue. Typically, after we receive the application and verify the documents, you can expect to receive the card in the mail within 10 – 14 business days. Unfortunately, if you have not received the card by then, you need to go back into the office where you filed your application. When you go, take the documents you originally presented as evidence or 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. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. Thanks!
Terrill W.
My wallet was stolen wit my id & ss card, whuch is why Im tryingto get a new one so how in tf can i show a damn I.D. OMFG
V.V.
Terrill, thank you for using our blog. 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. 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.
Sully H.
Is there a charge for replacing a stolen SS card??
Debbie O.
Need need to know how to fix my social security card DS said my name don’t match my number on my social security card can you please help me my married name was Barros thank you
R.F.
Hello Debbie. For complete information on how to change or correct your name on your Social Security card, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page. Thanks!
yuewen z.
SSN stolen with driver license, what should I do? thank you
V.V.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) created a Self-Lock process. Locking an SSN helps stop individuals from using stolen SSNs to gain work authorization through E-Verify. Read more at https://www.uscis.gov/mye-verify/self-lock. To learn more about the steps individuals can take to prevent or resolve issues of identity theft, read our publication: “Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number”.
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. 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!
Bethany K.
Will the birth certificate be mailed back with the card?
V.V.
Hi Bethany, thank you for using our blog. If you mail in your original documentation, we will return the documents to you.
Teresa P.
To Social Security office:
No, I have not lost my i.d. card from SS. I did not received the new one. My correct address is:
P. O. Box 1413
Wildomar , Calif. 92595
Thank you.
Teresa Pulley
R.F.
Hi Teresa! If you’re referring to your new Medicare card, visit Medicare.gov/NewCard to check the status of your new card.
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.
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Robert K.
Fabulous, what a website it is! This weblog gives helpful information to us, keep it up.|
V.V.
We are so glad you find our blog helpful, Robert. We really appreciate your positive feedback! Certainly, we’ll continue trying to provide the best possible service to our customers in all forums.
Noperson
The redundancy in the ID document system is problematic for those who are…well less fortunate.
Things happen and documents are lost. Two pieces of identifying documents shouldn’t need each other to get each other (talking to you NEW YORK STATE). I get that in a post 9/11 world, the government should take all steps to safeguard itself and its citizens from being defrauded by things like identity theft and SS fraud, but we live in the richest country on the planet. We should be able to figure a way around that.