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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Tags: Social Security benefits, Social Security card, SSN
See CommentsAbout the Author
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Comments
Comments are closed.
Clarisa
I lost my son’s social security card and dont remeber it. What do I do?
A.C.
Hi, Clarisa. Thanks for your question. Generally, when applying for a replacement Social Security card for a child under the age of 18, we consider the parent(s) or step-parent with custody, as the proper applicant. Remember that knowing their numbers is what is important. You will rarely need to show their cards, but if you need information on how to obtain a replacement Social Security card, please visit our Social Security Number and Card web page. You will need to present documents proving your identity, your children’s identities and citizenship status (if not already established), and evidence of your relationship to, or responsibility for, your children. You can use birth certificates to prove your children’s age or citizenship. But you cannot use it as proof of identity. We hope this helps.
Wei Z.
To whom it may can concern:
I was cheated today, somebody called me her phone number was 281 968 5098, she said my ssa number was suspended, then asked my ssa number and my birth day. After that I found it was wrong, when I called her again there was no answer.
I think I need a new ssa number and card. Thank you for you help.
Misty D.
More a question. I lost my wallet, with all my id. How do i get a replacement social security card?
A.C.
Hello, Misty. First realize that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing the Social Security number is what is important. 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. 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 you’ve 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.
Geraldine D.
Hello my name is Geraldine Davis. I am seeking assistants with obtaining a copy of my father original application for Social Security. I am trying to obtain his birth certificate from the State of Louisiana but I am unable to do so. I need to show the correct spelling of his name and one way to do so is to show the correct spelling of his name from a government form. My father’s name is Henry Bonney, last four of his social is 9366, dob/02/17/1935.
A.C.
Hi, Geraldine. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask members in our Blog community to work with their local office for specific questions about their case. You can also call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day.Thanks.
Noreen M.
I lost my social security check. My name is Noreen a Mazzaplourd I’ve. Looked everywhere. I went back to the places that I was, and. No one saw it….I signed it, because I was going to go to the bank.
R.F.
Hello Noreen, if your payment is lost or stolen, contact us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or contact your local Social Security office. We will review the case and if the payment is due, we will replace it. Thanks!
Janet H.
Lost SS CHECK
R.F.
Hello Janet, if your payment is lost or stolen, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or contact your local Social Security office. We will review the case and if the payment is due, we will replace it. Thanks!
Joseph M.
Would like replacement social security card
Jason B.
What will I need to get my sons replacement card. He is 16
Elizabeth R.
I wish to report that my SSA card was stolen, therefore I would like to have an alert or some designation placed on my social security #.
I cannot get to the SSA office nearest me. Can I not report the card stolen before I apply for a replacement card?
Here in New Jersey, we cannot use the online services available through the “my social security” link.
HELP, please! Thank you, ER
K.O.
Hi, Elizabeth. First, realize that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing the Social Security number is what is important. To see if you’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online using your personal my Social Security account 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. 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 you’ve 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.
RON
I WANT TO CANCEL INCOME TAX WITHOLDINGS.