General, Online Services, Social Security Number and Card

So You’ve Lost Your Social Security Card

July 25, 2016 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

lost ss cardLosing 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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About the Author

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

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Comments

  1. Keli W.

    I am guardian for a ward who has no birth certificate or known place of birth. No ID. Is non-verbal. I do have guardianship papers for her and can get a medical report with identifying info. Would this be enough to get replacement social security card for her?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Keli. We prefer a government issued document with the individual’s picture, as proof of identity to replace a Social Security card. If she does not have one or she cannot get one within a reasonable amount of time, we may be able to help you by using other documents that show her name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age). 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. For specific questions, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. We hope this helps.

  2. Adeline M.

    do I need to fill out this form if I have done it and paid for a replacement card already on line?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Adeline. You can replace your Social Security card for free if it is lost or stolen. However, you may not need to get a replacement card, knowing your Social Security number is what’s important. If you must get a replacement card, learn more on how to do this by visiting our Social Security Number and Card webpage. We hope this helps.

  3. Sandy I.

    My house was broken into 10/12/18 and my social security card was stolen along with other important items. I’m concerned that someone will use it to open an account in my name. What can I do? The above does not address concerns of identity theft.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Sandy. We are sorry to hear that. Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. You can find more information on their website: http://www.idtheft.gov or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). 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 hope this helps.

  4. anna h.

    My daughter is in prison and needs a original ss card but has no idea where hers is. can i order a replacement for her

  5. Debra S.

    Um okay so I looked at that form for getting a replacement card. I HAVE no clue to what my parents SS number were! NO clue. No way to get them. What now?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Debra. We only require your parents’ Social Security numbers when applying for an original Social Security card for a child under age 18. See page 3 of the Social Security card application for more information. Thanks!

  6. Joelle

    I can’t get a my SS account. I answered question wrong. The system can’t find me

    • V.V.

      Hi Joelle, thanks for using our blog. Sorry to hear you are having difficulties creating your my Social Security account.

      For assistance with your account, you may:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office.

  7. Esther M.

    Can I order a social security online I lost mines

    • V.V.

      Hi Esther. 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.

  8. Kathleen J.

    Is there a way to flag or protect my social security number if a card was lost???

    • V.V.

      Thank you for the question, Kathleen. 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!

  9. Donald H.

    Can SSI help with known stolen identity situations

  10. Jerrell L.

    What Paul does, and does very well, is to take ideas and concepts that are beautiful in the abstract, and brings them down to a real world level. That’s a rare talent to find in writing these days. — Jeff “hemos” Bates, Director, OSDN; Co-evolver, Slashdot

    http://decayingsociety.us/profile/EmilR37731

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