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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Michael
I’m applying for a job. I would like to know what can I use or does the Social Security office gives me a document or letter that proves I have a Social Security number until it comes in the mail?
R.F.
Hello Michael. For the most part, the acceptable proof of your Social Security number, is your Social Security card.
Generally, after we receive your application, verify your documents and process your request, you should receive your Social Security card by mail within 10 business days.
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!
Adrienne H.
Need to change my address for a new Medicare card…..told to contact s/s administration for help. Phone call…NO Help……web site also unhelpful …..could not access my personal information…..the new security number to access account denied!
R.F.
Hello Adrienne. We’re sorry that you had difficulty accessing your account to change your address. 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”. Or contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!
Dr l.
Never got my new ssa card!!!! Dr Laurence b Gormley/ Ann Mary Gormley
R.F.
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. If you applied for a Social Security card for the first time, it may take longer than 30 days.
On your receipt there should be a local phone number for you to call and speak to someone about the status of your Social Security card or you may have to return to the Social Security office where you filed your application. When you go, take the documents you originally presented as evidence. Thanks!
Mary T.
I need to change my phone number but cannot find a tab to do this. Address info is still the same. Just the cell number needs to be updated.
Thank you.
V.V.
Hi Mary. To update your cell phone number in your my Social Security account, click on the Security Settings tab at the top after you sign in. If you’re receiving benefits and need to update your telephone number, you can sign into your account and click on the My Profile tab to change your address or phone number.
Carlos R.
Nuevo, novedoso, muy interesante gracias por las nuevas herramientas…
V.V.
Hi Carlos: For information in Spanish, please visit us at http://www.segurosocial.gov or http://www.facebook.com/segurosocial
For Social Security information in other languages, please visit us at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/multilanguage
CARMEN N.
GOOD MORNING I NEED TO REPLACE MY SS CARD BECAUSE IS DAMAGED, BUT I NEED THE ADDRESS TO SEND IT TO. THANK YOU.
R.F.
Hello Carmen. To see if you’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online and 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 take or mail your completed application with supporting (original or certified) documents to the nearest Social Security office or Card Center in your area. Thanks!
Lucy
I get SS disability right now at age 64. Am I supposed to do something different when I turn 65? Will something change for the better or worse for me at age 65?what do I do on my birthday at age 65?
R.F.
Hello Lucy, Social Security disability benefits automatically change to retirement benefits when disability beneficiaries attain their full retirement age. Benefits are not interrupted with this transition and the benefit amount will generally remains the same. Thanks!
Edgar M.
I tried to re-sign up on my S.S. Site. I have not been on it in years. To re-sign up they wanted my old information. So they are sending a temp password to my old Address. We have moved to California to help take care of our new grandson. Can you send information to our new address? It is: Edgar B. Miears
1227 Highland Oaks Dr
Arcadia, Ca. 91006
Thomas O.
lost social security card
R.F.
Hello Thomas — The instructions on how to apply for a replacement Social Security card are found here. Thanks!
Christine R.
My Medicare Card was stolen yesterday, October 29, 2018. I need a new card with a new number