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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Jay
Since they don’t accept photocopies, if I send in my original copy of my birth certificate and state issued I.D. do I get them mailed back to me with the new social security card?
R.F.
Hi Jay! Typically, after we receive your application, verify your original documents, and process your request for a replacement card, we return the documents to you. The new Social Security card is mail to you –separately- within 10 business days after we complete the process. Please note that if you are applying for a replacement card, we do not use your birth certificate as a proof of identification. For complete instructions, and to see if you can apply for a replacement Social Security card online go to Social Security Number and Card. Click here to locate your nearest Social Security office or card center.
Ashlyn
My social security card was lost and my driver’s license was stolen at work. I need to replace both for a new job. I have a school id and employee id but neither have date of birth only name and photo. I do not have a passport or insurance card, nor a military id
R.F.
Hi Ashlyn, we do prefer a picture ID document. However, it must also have additional identifying information. We recommend that you bring in the documents that you have to the nearest Social Security office or card center in your area. Our representatives will be able to determine if the documents you have are acceptable to process your request for a replacement card. For complete instructions, and to see if you can apply for a replacement Social Security card online go to Social Security Number and Card. If you have additional questions, please call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Robin D.
I need a replacement social security card could you tell me the fastest way to get one.
R.F.
Thank you for your question Robin. to see if you can apply for a replacement Social Security card online go to Social Security Number and Card. To locate the nearest Social Security office or card center visit https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp.
Kristyn
I need to order a replacement SS card and see that the website says “All documents submitted must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.” Does this mean that I’m supposed to send my actual drivers license to the social security office?
Thanks for clarifying!
R.F.
You are right Kristyn, documents you provide when requesting a new or a replacement Social Security card must be originals or certified copies, notarized documents are NOT acceptable. These are examples of other documents you can use:
•Employee identification card;
•School identification card;
•Health insurance card (not a Medicare card);
•U.S. military identification card; or
•Life insurance policy
Any documents submitted, must be current (not expired) and show your name, AND other identifiable information such as date of birth, age, or parents’ names. For complete instructions, and to see if you can apply for a replacement Social Security card online go to Social Security Number and Card. If you have additional questions, please call our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. You will generally have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day or later in the week. Hope this helps!
PY
So, while getting my driver’s license, the DMV suddenly added a middle name to my name (when legally/originally, I do not have one). However, I was told by the DMV that in order to correct this mistake (THEIR mistake, mind you), I need to provide them with my SS card or birth certificate. Unfortunately, the way my dad wrote my name on my birth certificate looks funny(he spaced and capitalized certain letters oddly) and so I’d like to request a replacement SS card but because my name doesn’t match what legally SHOULD be on my card (no middle name), how can I get a replacement SS card so that I can get the DMV to correct their mistake on my license?
R.F.
In order to change or correct your name on your Social Security card, you must show us a document that proves your legal name. You can show whichever name you would like on your social security card, as long as you have evidence of your legal name. You may provide documentation of your old and new names. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. See What Documents You Need To Get a Social Security Card or call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Garrett
Can you go to any SSA office to get a new SS card or does it have to be your local office?
R.F.
Thank you for your question Garrett. Generally, you can obtain the services you need at any Social Security office. However, individuals living in certain areas of the country must now go to a Social Security Card Center to obtain a new or a replacement Social Security card. The card centers allow us to improve services while strengthening the integrity of Social Security Numbers (SSNs). If you annotate your zip code here, you will be advised whether you have to visit a Card Center to obtain a Social Security card. See our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page, to learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card. We hope this helps!
Rian
How does one go about getting a replacement card when no photo is available? I have a birth certificate, mail, a traffic ticket, but lost my DL and ssn card. I am long out of school and can’t get ID without ssn card and can’t get ssn card without ID….. I have a debit card and insurance card but neither obviously has my identifying information on them..
jin
I am trying to get a social security card because i lost it or misplaced it. but my green is expired. and i am in the process of renewing it.how can i get my social security card if my green card is expired? i only have driver license and my green card sying expired. do i have to wait for my new green card?
Heather
If I go to the local office for a replacement, will I get one the same day? Or will I have to wait?
R.F.
Hi Heather, thank you for your question. Typically, you should receive your replacement Social Security card by mail within 10 business days after we process your request. Click here to follow the instructions and to see if you can apply for a replacement Social Security card online. Thanks!
Irvin B.
I have yet to receive my social security card and it’s been more that two weeks. What is the possible hold up? I also had remove out of the place that I had as my residence because of an unground plumbing issue. The owner let me keep the keys to the mail box until the repairs and renovations were made. He needs the keys back this Monday, what should I do
J.Y.
We apologize for the inconvenience, Irvin. Typically, after we receive your application and verify your documents, we process your request and you should receive your Social Security card by mail within 10 business days. In some cases, a face-to-face interview is required to complete processing your request for a Social Security card. Please call 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment with your local office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting. Representatives at our toll-free number are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. We hope this is resolved soon.