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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javad z.
I tried to create a “myssa” account that you claim is so easy to establish. Not so ! aftet I entered my info and clicked “next” I was prompted “can’t match information”
two more clicks and access was denied with no help offered. The system is not only far from “easy and quick” as claimed, but very primitive and frustrating.
A.C.
Hi, Javad. We are sorry you have had difficulty creating your personal my Social Security account. If you are still unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Nicholas D.
I owe back taxes and I am working with the IRS to resolve the problem. They (IRS) has been withholding 15% of my benefits for over a year or more. This month (March) they withheld 100% of my benefits. This is my only source of income so can they keep 100% of my benefits during this negotiating process? I am 72 years old and cannot pay for my prescriptions or doctor visits. The IRS has placed me in a hardship situation. What is the ruling with respect to withholding my earned benefits.
A.C.
Hi, Nicholas. We are sorry to hear about your situation. For an explanation of Social Security garnishment policies, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this is resolved soon.
blair f.
I was told I would receive a new social security card within 12 months of the first. It has not happened, should I be more patient(my wife thinks so) or should I apply for a lost card? Best- Blair
A.C.
Hi, Blair. If you applied for a Social Security card and have not received it, you will need to contact the office where you applied to check the status. You’ll need to bring all of the original documents that you provided to us. We cannot help you with this over the phone. We hope this is resolved soon.
terry M.
Got an email from Social Security telling me what I can do on my online account. Noticed it said I could get a new SS card online. I go onto my account and it says replacement SS card is not available online! ????? I meet all the requirements! I’m a US citizen, over 18, not requesting a name change or any other change, and I have a drivers license from IL which is not one of the states listed that can not get a replacement. Why can’t I get a replacement card online???????????
A.C.
Hi, Terry. We are sorry to hear about your frustration. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
dale m.
I have not received my new card yet. I understand that everyone will get a new card. My old paper one is practically falling apart.
A.C.
Hi, Dale. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. If you are referring to the new Medicare cards, please visit here for more information. If you are referring to a replacement Social Security card, please contact your local Social Security office to check the status. We hope this helps.
Albert S.
I was unable to sign on with my password about a year a go and I was sent a new password to reset my own password. My account does not want to recognize me for some reason. I got fed up trying. I t is so frustraiting.
Your suggestions would be a great help for I am in my mid 70’s and it is very hard to keep up. Thank you for your time.
Mariana T.
I lost my wallet containing my important personal documents. I am a lawful permanent resident and I need to replace my SS Card ASAP for employment.Unfortunately they ask me for My Green Card which was also stolen. Is there any other solutions to be able to get my SS card? I understand that exist some forms like “Exemptions” for special situations or others like a form that can be a proof that I had a SS Card.
Richard Z.
My Mom who is 97 has lost her SSA card. Will an expired US Passort suffice for her identification in applying for a new card? She hasn’t driven a car in years and has no other ID.
A.C.
Hi, Richard. Thanks for your question. . First, realize that she may not need a replacement card. She will rarely need to show it. Knowing the Social Security number is what is important. We prefer a valid government issued document with the individual’s picture, as proof of identity to replace a Social Security card. If she does not have one or she cannot get one within a reasonable amount of time, we may be able to help her by using other documents that show her name and other identifying information (date of birth or age). 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. For please contact your local Social Security office for additional assistance. We hope this helps.
Sherrill J.
I need to change my permanent address to 1501 SE 150th Street in Summerfield, Florida 34491
V.V.
Hi Sherrill. If you get Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) or are enrolled in Medicare, you can create a my Social Security account to change your address online.
If you get SSI, do not have a U.S. mailing address, or are unable to change your address online, you can:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; or
•Contact your local Social Security office.
If you do not receive Social Security benefits, SSI or Medicare, you do not need to change your address with us.
Linda L.
My walet was stolen with my license and social security card. Who do I report this to?
V.V.
Hi Linda. 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!