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.
Lisa D.
I’ve been locked out of my account and need to reset my password. I didn’t see anywhere on the website where I can reset my password. Please advise.
V.V.
Hi Lisa: Visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on how to retrieve or change your password. If you encounter a problem, 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”.
Randy W.
Need a new S.S.card
V.V.
Hi Randy, thank you for your question. 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. We hope this helps!
Linda K.
I do not recall my user name or password
V.V.
Hi Linda: Visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on how to retrieve or change your password. If you encounter a problem, 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”.
karen o.
I have sent in all the required documents twice to the Honolulu social security office and both times they have returned them to me. extremely frustrating. I definitely think they are demanding that I go down to their office even though the wait there is long. FRUSTRATING!! in one case they kept my paperwork so long that one of the documents I sent them actually expired. (while there)
shirley R.
I have misplaced my card and need a new one.
V.V.
Hi Shirley, thank you for your question. 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. We hope this helps!
John K.
Must your policy be so Draconian? That is, a 24 hour suspension of access after 3 unsuccessful attempts is OVER-KILL! I don’t use my “mySSA” account that often. With your rules for making passwords “non-obvious”, it is often difficult to remember. If you must suspend access, a period of, say, 10 minutes should suffice. If someone is trying to guess my password, it will likely take many more than 3 guesses. Please don’t continue to make it so hard for me to access MY account. I think that after a total of 3 unsuccessful attempt (repeated, say, 3 times) will give me the opportunity to try another method of accessing (eg: password reset, or accessing the vault where I store my passwords). Thanks for considering a change in approach and helping to promote the use of online access.
V.V.
Hi John, thanks for using our blog and for your feedback. One of our most important responsibilities is protecting your investment and personal information. Social Security takes this responsibility very seriously, and we have a robust cybersecurity program in place to help us succeed. Our security process follows federal guidelines that includes additional security measures so we can be sure that you are who you say you are when you conduct online business with us. We value your thoughts and will explore how we can further improve our Social Security website.
Robert M.
SSA states I can get a simple replacement ss card on line. I live in Virginia and it is listed as one of the states where you can request a simple replacement card on-line. Went to my ssa and logged in, went to replacement ssa card and site informed my replacements can not be done on-line, I must go to my local ssa office. Whats the real story? ON-Line or stand in line for 4 hours at local ssa office? Thanks for any info.
Richard C.
I sent an application to the Carlisle, PA ss office for a replacement ss card two weeks ago and I haven’t heard anything back. How long does it take for them to process application? I did include my birth certificate.
Mumina B.
I was told by SSA that I will only rec’v about $12.00 monthly if I receive my husband’s SS early, now I’ve learned that was wrong information, what do I do now? Thank youI
Kirk R.
I lost my card and need a replacement card sent to me.