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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Dorothy E.
I need to replace the temporary password with. an updated permanent password . Please. Help.
Thanks
Judith L.
Pls send replacement card
Earl L.
I have lost my SS card and need a replacement
R.F.
Hello Earl. 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. Click here, for complete information. Thanks!
Pauline A.
YES I lost or left in a doctors office somewhere my social security card…. I tried with my daughters help ( i am 81 and computer illiterate) but only to frustrating non accomplishment
always something needed repeating etc etc after trying 3 times I gave up I will wait until..I get home.. now and find an office
Sue S.
I have a friend that is transitioning out of nursing home care to independent living. She was close to death, and was on ventilator and last rites administered. While she was in the hospital her husband passed and all her belongings were destroyed or thrown out by the landlord. She needs a replacement card. Can she request online? She does have a state ID but not a drivers license. She lives 60 miles from social security office and is limited on her access to go the office. Can verification be made via staff at nursing home? For her to progress back to independent living she must have her replacement social security card. Thank you for your help. Concerned friend.
R.F.
Thank you for helping out, Sue! To see if your friend is eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents she will need to get a card, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page.
If she does not qualify to apply online for a card, you can help her complete the application. We offer the option to mail the completed application with the (original or certified) documents to the nearest Social Security office or Card Center in your area.
In most cases a state-issued identification card will be acceptable as proof of identity. Also, we may be able to use other documents such as a health insurance card or medical records. Any document she submits, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show her name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age).
For further assistance, please 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!
William H.
I have not received my new social Security card.
R.F.
Hello William. Typically, after we receive your application, verify your documents and process your request for a replacement card, you should receive your “new” 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.
To follow up on your application for a Social Security number card, you should contact us. 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.
You can also call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later during the week. Thanks!
Clare M.
Need a new Social Security card. I have my old card & was told that there is a NEW format with a new # ,,NOT
my social security number. Is this correct ?
R.F.
The “new format with a new number” is related to the new Medicare cards, Clare. The new Medicare card will have a new Medicare Number that’s unique to you, instead of your Social Security Number.
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. Thanks!
William L.
I have not received my “new” Social Security cards. Please advise?
R.F.
Hello William. Typically, after we receive your application, verify your documents and process your request for a replacement card, you should receive your 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/Card Center where you filed your application. When you go, take the documents you originally presented as evidence.
If you are unable to visit the local office, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, 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!
Sonna W.
I was told that I could print out my social security card. I can’t seem to find where to print it out.
R.F.
Hello Sonna, you have to apply for a replacement Social Security card. 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 Frequently Asked Questions web page. Thanks!
Dianna P.
My purse was stolen from my car. My old social security card was in it. What should I do to report it stolen?
R.F.
We are sorry to hear of this unfortunate incident, Dianna. Our Frequently Asked Questions web pages provide information on the process of getting a replacement Social Security card, and what you should do if you think someone is using your Social Security number.
We hope this information helps!