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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Gary C.
My SScard was stolen with my wallet. I do have a duplicate card, but it seems that to prevent someone from using my number fraudulently, I need a new number. Is this possible? It was just stolen on 03/16/2019 at 5pm.
V.V.
Hi Gary. 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”.
John H.
the ss card is not for i.d. someone should tell the state of penna.
THOMAS M.
If you have lost a child’s s.s. card under the age of 10yrs. What can I use for I’d.?? Do I use my I’d for him or?? I’m on s.s.d and my kids get benefits from me, do i send a copy of the end of yr. Fed. Earning, or what please help..
Cathy l.
If drivers license is lost what can be done.
THOMAS M.
Go get another one at DMV department nearest you
A.C.
Hi, Cathy. 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 documents 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). A certified document is basically a photocopy or extract of a file, sealed with a ribbon and the seal of the agency issuing the copy of the document on file. Also, realize that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. 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. You can also call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 and one of our agents can assist you in helping you find a suitable proof of identity document. SSA requires each applicant to present documentary evidence of his or her identity due to the growing problem of identity theft and to establish that the person who is applying for a replacement SSN card is the true number holder (i.e., the person to whom SSA originally assigned the SSN). Thanks for your understanding.
Charles W.
I lost my wallet over the weekend it had all of my cards in it. I am trying to report the lost card. But this site says to create an account,Why? You should have someone on the weekends to answer your phones.
A.C.
Hi, Charles. We are sorry to hear about your situation. Keep in mind you may not need a replacement card since you rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is most important. However, if you must get a replacement card, learn more on how to do this by visiting our Social Security Number and Card web page. If you suspect someone is using your Social Security number, you should report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). For more information, check out our publication, Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number. We hope this is helpful.
Martha Y.
How do I get a copy of my Social Security Earnings statement for 2018 for Taxes?
V.V.
Hi Martha, thank you for using our blog. For detailed instructions on obtaining a replacement SSA-1099, visit the replacement 1099 web page.
Lisa G.
I have a 17 year old homeless student that does not have ANY documentation such as a birth certificate or drivers license. Is there a way for him to get a replacement card. He needs it for employment.
V.V.
Hi Lisa, thanks for using our blog to ask your question. If the student doesn’t have a U.S. driver’s license, state ID or U.S. passport, then we will accept other documentation. Any documents submitted must be current (not expired) and show his name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph. This could be a school ID card, or a health insurance card. Check out our Social Security Number and Card web page which provides how to apply and what documents are needed.
ROBERT E.
I NEED ASOCIAL SECURITY CARD REPLACEMENT…I CANNOT FIND MINE
A.C.
Hi, Robert. 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.
James
Is there no online services that are cheaper than 40$ to order replacement ss card? Everything was stolen it’s to expensive to replace so much please let me know thanks
V.V.
James, thank you for using our blog to ask your question. It’s free to get a replacement Social Security card. Some private companies not affiliated with Social Security or any other government agency charge fees for this service. However, these companies offer no advantage and you still must provide documents directly to Social Security.
Be cautious about giving your private information, especially your Social Security number, to anyone.
Visit our Social Security Number and Card web page for details on how to obtain a replacement Social Security card.
Brian
Benfeit are really hard to get and with thise people omg