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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MARIA P.
I DON’T HAVE MY NEW CARD YET
V.V.
Hi Maria, thank you for your question. Medicare will automatically mail your new card to the address you have on file with Social Security. As long as your address is up to date, there’s nothing you need to do. If you need to update your address, you can use your personal my Social Security account.
Mailing millions of Medicare cards takes some time, so you might get your card at a different time than friends or neighbors in your area.
Visit Medicare.gov/NewCard for additional information.
Pam H.
I need my monthly social security and its longevity verified to my bank for a loan requirement.
How can I get that done?
V.V.
Hi Pam, thank you for your question. You can get a benefit verification letter online instantly by using your personal my Social Security account. This letter is sometimes called a budget letter, a benefits letter, a proof of income letter or a proof of award letter. To set up your account, visit the my Social Security web page and select, “Sign In or Create an Account.” You will need to provide some personal information to verify your identity, choose a username and password and follow the rest of the steps to finish creating your account. Once you create your account, scroll down to the Benefits and Payments section and choose “get benefit verification letter” where you can instantly view, print, or save your official letter.
If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem, 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 you can contact your local Social Security office.
HORACE E.
ss has supposed to send me some info by mail as to how to restore my online login twice nothing heard from them in almost two months!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
COME ON SSA GET IT TOGETHER SEND ME THE LETTER, I CANNOT SEE WELL AND NEED TO GETR ONLINE H.E.B. 12/17/1932
V.V.
Hi Horace, thanks for using our blog. Sorry to hear you are having difficulties with 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.
Mary C.
Lost my Social Security Card.
K.O.
Hello Mary. First, realize you may not need a replacement Social Security 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. We hope this helps!
Robert Y.
My daughter and her kids lost everything except for the clothes on their backs including Social Security cards. Getting a replacement these days is a process. They have struggled through the bureaucracy and are making headway, but it impedes employment. It seems to me that a simpler solution to proving identity would be using finger prints and/or facial recognition. Perhaps applicants could place their finger in a fingerprint scanner at a Social Security office that could search and compare the fingerprint at the DMV.
Timothy E.
Would like to find out how to apply for a new social security card for my fiancé who immigrated here.
V.V.
Hi Timothy, congratulations on your engagement. First of all, keep in mind that only noncitizens with permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security can get a Social Security number. See Social Security Numbers For Noncitizens for more information.
If your fiancé is eligible for a Social Security number, visit our Social Security Number and Card web page for details on the process and the documentation requirements.
Thomas S.
I need a new Social Security Card because I have lost the one which I received in the mail this year.
V.V.
Thomas, thank you for your question. You may be able to apply for your replacement Social Security card 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. We hope this helps!
Laurie A.
so I have to send my original drivers license?
V.V.
Hi Laurie, thanks for your question. You may be able to apply for a replacement Social Security card 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.
Lorenzo D.
lost old card
Jill J.
My husband and my social security cars were stolen this weekend. What do I do to report stolen and request new cards?
K.O.
Hello Jill. We are sorry to hear about your stolen cards. You can get a replacement Social Security card if yours is lost or stolen. There is ZERO charge for this service. Please see our Frequently Asked Questions web page for complete information. Hope this helps. Thanks!