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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Margaret L.
I lost my social security card
R.F.
Hello Margaret. You can get a replacement card if yours is lost or stolen. There is no charge for a Social Security card. This service is free. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for complete information. Thanks!
Marlene G.
My identity was stolen…they have my Social Security number…this is devastating…I am so afraid that the consequences will follow me throughout the rest of my life…I would like to get a new Social Security number…or maybe just add a code to the original one (probably the better option?) Please help me!
R.F.
Hello Marlene, we can only assign a different number in certain situations. if you think someone is using your Social Security number, there are several actions you can take.
Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for more information. Thanks!
Andy F.
Can u get a new job without it
Kathie R.
I had went into our local office 2 months ago to have taxes taken out and it is not happening. I have been trying to go into my account to view my cola and it keeps redirecting me again to change my password..
R.F.
We apologize for the inconveniences, Kathie. For information on how to retrieve or change your account username or password visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page. If you are still having trouble accessing your my Social Security account, please call our dedicated “my Social Security-Hotline”. To reach this hotline, call 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”.
To follow up on your request to withhold federal taxes from your Social Security benefit payments, please contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!
cecelia w.
I still haven’t received my new social security card and I was wondering when will I receive one.
R.F.
Hello Cecelia. If you are referring to a replacement Social Security card, you should receive your Social Security card by mail within 10 business days after we process your application. If you applied for a first time Social Security card, it may take longer.
On your receipt there should be a phone number for you to call and speak to someone about the status of your Social Security card. Also, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Sometimes, you may need to return to the Social Security office or Card Center where you applied. When you go, take the documents you originally presented as evidence. Thanks!
Natividad C.
I lost my social security card when my wallet was stolen
R.F.
Hello Natividad. You can get an original Social Security card or a replacement card if yours is lost or stolen. There is no charge for a Social Security card. This service is free.
Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for more information. Thanks!
Randall B.
I havent received my new one yet
Don G.
Tried to replace my social security card from this website twice. Filled all the information correctly. Site can’t verify me. Only has a social security number for sixty years.
Eileen F.
RE: Social Security Card. Does a person keep the same number for Life?
On the new MediCare cards when a new number is issued, does that number only apply to your MediCare Card.
Bettye
I already sent the requested documents to my local S. S. office in Cleburne, TX, but 1 document, my driver’s license was a copy, not the original , so when I received my paperwork in the mail this past Saturday, October 13th, they told me they needed the original Driver’s license to be sent to them, to receive my new S. S. card thru the mail. Is that all I need to send back to them or do I have to send them all of the paperwork that I originally sent to them the 1st time? Look forward to your response.