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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Annette M.
Why is it in Hawaii we are unable to get a replacement SS card online?
V.V.
Thanks for your question, Annette. In an effort to meet the changing needs of the public, and improve our service delivery, we are continuously adding states to the online replacement Social Security card service. We hope to add Hawaii in the future. Thanks!
Avilash G.
I lost my social security card and I try get new. So I went to social security office i fill form they say I will get my social card in 4 week it been almost 2 month I didn’t get any information .
V.V.
Avilash, we apologize for the inconvenience. For security reasons, we do not have access to information about your Social Security card application in this venue. Typically, after we receive the application and verify the documents, you can expect to receive the card in the mail within 10 – 14 business days. Unfortunately, if you have not received the card by then, you need to go back into the office where you filed your application. When you go, take the documents you originally presented as evidence.
Roland L.
need to reset my password and id.
V.V.
Hi Roland: See 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”.
Dorothy K.
lost or mislaid my social security card. how do I get a replacement. please note: I can not remember my old numbers!
A.C.
Hi, Dorothy. Thanks for your question. 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.
Martin S.
Please send me the new social security card the one without your actual as number on it.
Charles D.
I have lost my SS Card. My number is; *** – ** – ***. I have been trying to apply online but can’t remember username or password My address is 3100 N F M 51. Weatherford Texas. 76085. Can you help me. My birthday is. 04/15/1938
emerik h.
I have had 10 cards how . can get a job with out qne?
Lisa w.
How do apply for a new social security number for my 15 year old son who’s number was used to open a credit in his fathers name??
Miriam W.
I was under the impression that my lost Social Security card could be used to access my financial accounts and that I should take action to protect my self. Am I understanding that a lost card isn’t reason for panic?
I would love to think that simply having a replacement card issued is all I have to do. Is this right?
Miriamwalker1002@comcast.net
Lorraine
Hi
I’m happy to read that replacing my lost social security card is not necessary.
I definitely know my number, so guess I’m all set.
Thanks for providing lots of good info online.
Regards,
Lorraine