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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Pete J.
i dont remember my sons ssn my baby mama refuses to give it to me how do i get it
V.V.
Hi Pete, thank you for using our blog to ask your question. See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on how to replace a Social Security card for a child. To learn more on the process and what documents you and your child will need to get a card, please visit our Learn what documents you will need to get a Social Security Card web page. We hope this is helpful.
Aaron W.
My Name is Aaron Wade Wollard. I lost my Social Security Card Number *** – ** – ***. Is there an way I can request a new on on line?
Chris R.
My 16 year old just got a job and she starts work today. I have misplaced her Social security card and need a replacement for her to give to her job. What do I need to do to get her a replacement card?
miles e.
I am very confused. I applied on line for a replacement card At the end of the process the web site said replacement cards cant be obtained on line. i live in Wi and have Wi drrivers license. i am renewing my drivers license and am told to produce a social security card along with my drivers license. I would be grateful to know what is possible ……..
Thank you.
David N.
davnb@yahoo.com
My name is David Burton. I lost my Social Insurance Number. I need it to apply for my FBI background check, but can’t locate it. Can you please assist me in getting at least the number? i attended Vaughn College of Aeronautics in New York September 2003 to May 2005.
Thanks in advance.
R.F.
Hello David. Unfortunately, and for security reasons, we do not provide Social Security numbers by phone. You will need to apply for a replacement card.
We prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security card. If you do not have one or you cannot get one within a reasonable amount of time, we may be able to use other documents such as:
•Employee identification card;
•School identification card;
•Health insurance card; or
•U.S. military identification card.
Any document you submit, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show your name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age).
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!
Paul S.
Information is useful if it works.
I will follow the instruction.
Martha R.
Needing Reconsideration of Taking Out 75.00 was Told Since Taking out from Medical Expenses was Enough have Lowered my Check think this Unfair Decision would like two have Full Income ..
Linda L.
I have not received my new card yet. I wanted to make sure you had my correct address: it is Linda Laree Thayer @ N Hall St , ,.TX. 75219. My monthly payment is deposited in Plains Capital Bank.
V.V.
Hi Linda, 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 details.
Just a reminder – We do not have access to personal information in this venue. Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media channels. Thanks.
Sean P.
I have applied for a social security card replacement three times but have not recieved it. The representatives at the Social Security office told me that they sent it to my address but I have , so far not recieved it. What should I do ? I am in the midst of changing jobs and I really need it
V.V.
Sean, we apologize for the inconvenience. For security reasons, we do not have access to information about your Social Security card application in this venue. Typically, after we receive the application and verify the documents, you can expect to receive the card in the mail within 10 – 14 business days. Unfortunately, if you have not received the card by then, you need to go back into the office where you filed your application. When you go, take the documents you originally presented as evidence.
robert e.
To complete my pension paperwork, I need my wife and children’s ssn. We are separated.
V.V.
Hi Robert, thank you for your question. We cannot provide you with your wife’s Social Security number, as members of the public are protected by privacy laws. The Privacy Act prohibits Federal agencies from disclosing personal information without the person’s consent, except under certain conditions. For more information, please visit: https://www.ssa.gov/foia/privacy.html.
You may be able to apply for a replacement Social Security card for your child. See our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on how to replace a Social Security card for a child. To learn more on the process and what documents you and your child will need to get a card, please visit our Learn what documents you will need to get a Social Security Card web page.