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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Abel L.
My security card was stolen. I want to cancel the number.
Bach-Nga V.
My mom has lost her social security card. What she need to do and apply for a new one?
A.C.
Hello, Bach-Nga. First, realize that your mother may not need a replacement card. She will rarely need to show it. Knowing the Social Security number is what is important. To see if she’s eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online using her personal my Social Security account 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. Keep in mind all mailed documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency and must (unless otherwise indicated) have been issued within the last two years. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. Once she’s submitted all the needed documents, it can take up to 10 business days from the date we received the application to mail a replacement card. We hope this helps.
Eli B.
Need to replace lost/misplaced Medicare card?
V.V.
Hi Eli. Thank you for your question. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to replace your Medicare card.
Jasmine F.
I lost my social security what do I so someone won’t steal my Identification
Cynthia L.
I miss placed my social security card my ss# is
XXXXXXXXX
R.F.
Just a reminder – We do not have access to personal information, therefore, we do not do direct messaging in this venue. Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media and communicating personal information via email.
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!
Margaret G.
My husband has misplaced his Social Security Card. Does he need to replace it?
R.F.
Hello Margaret. 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.
To see if your husband is eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents he will need to get a card, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page.
We hope this helps!
Eun J.
Today, I lost my wallet because someone stolen my backpack. I realized that I put my printed social security card. I have original social security card, but I wonder do I have to replace my social security card or not.
I did police report except the printed my SSN card.
Please help me.
Thank you.
V.V.
Hi there. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) created a Self-Lock process. Locking an SSN helps stop individuals from using stolen SSNs to gain work authorization through E-Verify. Read more at https://www.uscis.gov/mye-verify/self-lock. To learn more about the steps individuals can take to prevent or resolve issues of identity theft, read our publication: “Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number”.
We recommend you only obtain a replacement Social Security card if you need one. 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 will need to gather documents proving both your identity and citizenship status. 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, visit our Social Security Number and Card web page. Thanks!
Tammy S.
I can’t find my son’s SS card from birth… needs to get his drivers license. he is 16. HELP! They say they need the orginal card.
Gordon N.
Hello
I have misplaced my SS CARD. I can apply for another but from what I can see I do not really need one except for official purposes or job apps (I’m retired so that is N/A). Am I correct? I live in New York State and apparently online application is not possible so I’ have to go to SS office with various ID proofs to apply, so I won’t unless you think a card is necessary. Please advise. Thank you
V.V.
Hi Gordon, thank you for your question. You are correct. You may not need a replacement 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.
Kathleen S.
Can I get an photo copy if i need it within 24 hours, to get my mom in a new senior living place
V.V.
Hi Kathleen, thank you for your question. We will mail your mother a replacement Social Security card as soon as we have all of the necessary information. Generally, a replacement card arrives in the mail within 10-14 business days from the date the application is processed.
To see if your mother is eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents are needed to get a card, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page.