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 R.
I noticed one of my statements for future benefits had misspelled my last name by adding a “a” at the end. Is this a problem and how do I get it corrrected?
Thank you,
Gary Russell Schuberth
Mickey K.
My husband shares my email. His account info keeps showing up, but not mine. When I try to create an account, it tells me I have no account. When I try to create and account, it says I have one and shows my husband. What should I do. Mickey Key…*** – ** – ***
BD 5-17-48
A.C.
Hi, Mickey. We are sorry you were having difficulty setting up 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.
Alvin D.
My social security was in my billfold fad out so I need new card.
Lynda M.
my wallet was stolen how do I report that so they cannot use it
YONGJUNG K.
hello,
i lost my green card and willing to issue another one to keep
how can i do that?
can you guide me out? is there a documents i need to fill out and send it by mail?
thank you!
Richard B.
I neede SSN card to get Real ID.
charles w.
i lost ss card how do i apply for a new one if office location is best what information do i need
Harold F.
How much do I owe yet from over payment
A.C.
Hi, Harold. Thanks for your question. 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.
Nelda N.
Thanks for helping me find my account from 2014!
Steven P.
I need to replace my son’s lost SS card. He doesn’t have a driver’s license. Will a school ID and birth certificate suffice for identification?
A.C.
Hi, Steven. Thanks for your question. Generally, when applying for a replacement Social Security card for a child under the age of 18, we consider the parent(s) or step-parent with custody, as the proper applicant. Remember that knowing their numbers is what is important. You will rarely need to show their cards, but if you need information on how to obtain a replacement Social Security card, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. You will need to present documents proving your identity, your children’s identities and citizenship status (if not already established), and evidence of your relationship to, or responsibility for, your children. Also keep in mind the submitted documents must be originals. You can use birth certificates to prove your children’s age or citizenship. But you cannot use it as proof of identity. We hope this helps.