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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LaDella A.
Disability assistance in housing, work from home job.
Linda M.
I am 78 years old and have had 2 knee surgeries an 2 eye surgeries and have hearingaids (used) and receive 160.00 a month from SS and pay 107. For my Medicare and 54.$ For my meds. Is there any way I can get more as I worked a pastime job for 15 years in the hospital
A.C.
Hi, Linda. 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. You can also contact or visit your local Social Security office for assistance. We hope this helps.
Nancy L.
I have misplaced my social security card down here in Florida, where I have spent my winters for eighteen years. I am locked out of your website because the system did not like my answers. I would very much appreciate a phone call to reissue my social security card. It would not even mail my passcode, and I will be leaving this address in 28 days. Nancy Daniel 440 527 0672
A.C.
Hi, Nancy. 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. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media.
We hope this helps.
Rev. D.
why cant I find where to mail my printed replacement social security card application, You guys make thing so very difficult on the simply things! forgive me! older Americans don’t have a chance in life!
Edward L.
I am 71 years old. Receive a SS check monthly vis direct deposit and for some ungodly reason can’t replace my SS card on line. In order to obtain a replacement card I have to drive from my home in Germantown all the way down to Monroe Street in unsafe Memphis
James B.
What is the procedure when a person passes away? My wife passed away around the end of January 2019.
A.C.
Hi, James. We are sorry to hear about your loss. The Lump-Sum Death benefit of $255 (a one-time payment) may be payable upon the death of a person who has worked long enough to be insured under Social Security. An application for the Lump-Sum death payment must be submitted within two years from the insured person’s death. Only eligible family members may be able to receive the one-time payment and monthly survivor benefits. For more information on this, please read How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies. We hope this helps.
Julie H.
I need a new SS card. I have misplaced mine.
A.C.
Hi, Julie. 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. We hope this helps.
Amber R.
I submitted a request for a replacement SS card back in the middle of December 2018. I have not received it yet. Can you please give me an update?
A.C.
Hi, Amber. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. Typically, after we receive your application and verify your documents, you should receive your Social Security card by mail within 10 business days. To follow up on your application for a Social Security replacement card, you may have to return to the office where you filed your application. On your receipt there should be a local phone number for you to call and speak to someone about the status of your card. We hope this helps.
Joseph A.
I did not file last year taxes, because I lost my 2017 form SSA-1099- social security benefit statement .
I am 76 and would like to have one sent (2017) to:
Joseph Arsanis
6220 Gettysburg Pl Apt 2
Stockton, Ca. 95207
Thank you.
I have all forms for this year 2018.
A.C.
Hi, Joseph. Thanks for your question. For years prior to the last year, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to speak to one of our representatives for assistance. Or you can contact your local Social Security office. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
Linda W.
In attempting to get a replacement for my lost Social Security card, I have tried several times to give you my name and social security number, which I copied directly from my TX Driver’s License. Each time, the message I receive from you says either my name or Social Security number does not match your records. I don’t know what else to do. I have a hyphenated last name (Wheeler-LaPorta), which may be the problem, but I don’t know what to do about it. I’ve even tried listing Wheeler as a middle name and LaPorta as a last name, but that doesn’t work, either. It is very frustrating because the SS web site seems to have difficulty with the screens that I get throughout the process. I know my SS# by heart, so I know that it is not the number that is the problem. Please help me get this problem resolved. If your records are not correct, I need for you to correct your records so that they match mine.
A.C.
Hi, Linda. We are sorry to hear you had difficulty accessing your personal my Social Security account. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. If you are still unable to access 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.