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
Comments
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Julia B.
Dear Mr. Borland – while this article is informational and enlightens the point that an actual replacement card may not be as critical as knowing the number, it does not address a key issue and that is protecting personal information and identity theft.
Important instructions as to what a person should do in the case of a lost or stolen social security card in order to protect identity from the present to future years seems of paramount importance in terms of helping and educating people who have experienced this loss and the subsequent fear of their identity being compromised.
Like financial institutions, wouldn’t it be helpful to individuals in this situation for Social Security to provide a way to report the card and flag the number as a protection….similar to financial institutions.
Thank you for your time and I look forward to a reply.
A.C.
Hi, Julia. Thanks for your comments. Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. You can find more information on their website: http://www.idtheft.gov or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). To learn more about the steps individuals can take to prevent or resolve issues of identity theft, check out our publication, Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number. We hope this helps.
Donna R.
I have been directed to the social security website to get my Medicare replacement card but i don’t see anywhere on that site a place to replace my Medicare card. Won’t someone one help me?
A.C.
Hi, Donna. Thanks for checking in with us. You can request a replacement Medicare card by creating a personal my Social Security account. We hope this helps.
Curtis E.
Do I need an appointment at my local office to get a replacement card?
V.V.
Hi Curtis. First, realize 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 (no appointment) 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.
Alan F.
My oldest sister Linda Tani in Brooklyn, N.Y., lost all Identifications, numbers to ID’s, didn’t have a driver”s license. Our parents are deceased. How does my sister. Get her Identification, to prove her Identity.
V.V.
Hi Alan. 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 your sister only obtain a replacement Social Security card if she needs one. She will rarely need to show it. Knowing her Social Security number is what is important. However, if she must get a replacement card, she will need to gather documents proving both her identity and citizenship status. To see if she’s eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents she will need to get a card, visit our Social Security Number and Card web page. Thanks!
Scott C.
I have exhausted every attempt at having someone explain to me why I am being denied getting a replacement card on line. I have waited over a hour on hold to be told “I don’t know why” you can’t get a card take a day off from work and go to your local office! I just got a real ID with no issue, have an online account, and have been taxed since 1970! Why can’t someone tell me why I have to lose a day’s pay for a replacement card! What is the reason? I’m really frustrated with this whole system!
Carol J.
I have tried to log on to social security to get a new card and change my address and it blocks me, kicks me out and I am so frustrated at this time.
Carol J. Scherf
204 E.
Grants Pass, New address
orscherf@gmail.com ## *** – ** – ***
Born in San Jose, CA Grew up in Morgan Hill
V.V.
Hi Carol, thanks for using our blog. Sorry to hear you are having difficulties accessing your my Social Security account.
For assistance with your account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office.
Carol E.
I have misplaced my social security card. I was born in Ross General Hospital in Marin County , California. My birthdate is 12/29/1950, & I was a teacher in both California & in Washington state.
My address is2100 NE 159th Avenue, Vancouver WA 98684-4514
My SS# is *** – ** – ***
V.V.
Hi Carol. First, realize 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.
Just a reminder – Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media.
David N.
Thanks Jim!
David’s at peace with your information of previous misunderstood benefit to my person. I, David Naranjo Mejia. SS# *** – ** – ***. Is concerned still for the card its self being sold to an off duty officer , or a same name person without any documents to prove citizenship.
David arrived at an age of youth that Mother Teresa De JESSUS Mejia. Well I David Used to get Dramatized to not have with my person at all times, in paper form.
Today I realize we are safer. Please make a disicion if you should consider marking or assessing the issue. in terms of email to SSA in Seattle Washington. Our beutifull state. Thanks again Jim. Perhaps knowing that their is, an open request to asses me David to formal admitence of SSID or SSI, (Sclorosis) deformation of the spine, Jim.
This jotted line may help with the conquest of who to address. Loyellty to all in the office and administration. To you a great day; and happy greetings.
David Naranjo Mejia,
D.N.M. 03-21-2019
Mohammad g.
I’ve tried to use my Medicare card and the hospital it can not access my account because the birthday is different than on file. What do I need to do to remedy this?
Roseann B.
hello help I just got my new ss card after calling 3 times too find out where it was. So low and below I got in on tuesday with my husbands.
In hurry to do life’s many thins I can’t find mine. I called and retraced my 3steps . Bank Dr’s visit and supermarket. No one seems to have found it. Please use your prompt attention and get back to me to let me know what I shoulddo, besides being more carefu’
A.C.
Hi, Roseann. If you are referring to a Social Security card, 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 page. Keep in mind all submitted 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. If you are referring to a Medicare card, you can request a replacement using your personal my Social Security account. We hope this helps.