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.
Rashaan H.
How come when I try to fill out for replacement card online, it says my info doesn’t match. I am a u.s. citizen with a Ssi number..it makes no sense.
R.F.
Hi Rashaan. Your personal information may need to be updated on our records, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday or contact your local office or card center for further assistance.
Lisa B.
So my fiance has a bit of a problem we’ve been trying to get sorted out for a long time now. He is 29 years old and has never had any form of ID, has no insurance and his SS card was lost as a child. He does however know his SSN and has his original birth certificate. We’ve been to the DMV and SS office multiple times and no one seems able to help us. We leave with them pretty much just saying good luck. Any advise or suggestions on what we can do? Any help is appreciated. Thanks
R.F.
Hi Lisa. Yes, we prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security card. If your fiance does not have one or if he cannot get one within a reasonable amount of time, we may be able to use other documents such as his:
•Employee identification card;
•School identification card;
•Health insurance card; or
•U.S. military identification card.
Any documents he submits, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show his name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age).
Also, realize that he may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. To see if he is eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents he will need to get a card Please visit our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!
Josh O.
Hello,
I put in a request to receive a new SS card on Oct 24th, 2016 and received a confirmation email saying that my application was received online. It is now Oct 28th, 2016 and I have not received any additional information saying that my application was processed or completed. I need a new SS card because I lost mine and my new employer needs it on file. Is there any way I can provide information or a document to give to my company while I wait for my new card? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
R.F.
Hi Josh. Typically, after we receive your application and verify your documents, we process your request and you should receive your replacement Social Security card by mail within 10 business days. You may contact your local Social Security office for follow up or further assistance. Thanks!
Nanette f.
My struggle is I work the hours the offices are open and I’m not able to get a day off any time soon. I need my SS replaced to get my own bank account. (loss mine at time of divorce even though name was already changed). I don’t have a passport and I can’t mail my drivers license – I need to drive to work! Been stuck for months with this issue! ?
R.F.
Hi Nanette. For a replacement Social Security card, we may be able to use other documents such as:
•Employee identification card;
•School identification card;
•Health insurance card; or
•U.S. military identification card.
Any documents you submit, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show your name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age). You can mail your application and documents to the nearest Social Security office or card center in your area.
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 “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps
K b.
Even though SS has our A number I need a new SS card but can’t get one without green card. Immigration can’t seem to find me. Why can I pay SS to give me a record of all my jobs and the money I made with my DL. Why can’t I get my A number with my DL. That way immigration may be able to find me so I can get a new card. This is like a catch 22.
R.F.
Please visit our Frequently Asked Question web page to see how to obtain an itemized earnings statement.
Joshua L.
I realized my card was lost today. I have a job that says I have to have it next Monday with me. If I go to the office tomorrow with filled out paperwork can I get some sort of temporary till my actual new card arrives. I can’t reschedule or I would wait till my card came in.
R.F.
Thank you for contacting us Joshua. Typically, after we receive your application for a replacement Social Security card, we verify your documents and process your request. Then, you should receive your card by mail within 10 business days. When you apply, you should also get a receipt showing that you’ve applied for a card and that one is coming your way soon. Our representatives will be able to provide guidance and assist you further.
AllieOop
My daughter was offered a job (finally) and was supposed to start yesterday… unfortunately they demanded her ss card, and she unfortunately can’t find it. I took her to a local social security office, I thought they’d give her some sort of proof that she is who she is, and confirm her ss number because she can’t start work without that. The last time this happened, we were given that proof. Apparently they stopped doing that a couple years ago, and I’m afraid she’s going to lose this job because now she has to wait 7-10 days to get a replacement card in the mail. Any advice? She REALLY needs this job!
pattie r.
my purse was stoline at the train. i need a new card.i just got a new one in April this year along with my new i.d.. my address is 10613Huffines dr,Rowlett tx 75089
pattie r.
please send me a new card
pattie r.
my pruse was stolin at the train. i need a new card.i just got a new one in april this year along with my new i.d.. my address is 10613 huffines dr, rowlett tx 75089
Alice
My parents lost my social security card when I was 2 and now im 18 and I cant get an ID without it and vice versa. What do I do?
R.F.
Hi Alice, we prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security card. If you do not have one or you cannot get one within a reasonable amount of time, we may be able to use other documents such as:
•Employee identification card;
•School identification card;
•Health insurance card; or
•U.S. military identification card.
Any documents you submit, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show your name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age).
Also, realize that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your 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 “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!