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.
Jin J.
Bellissimo articolo, un grazie da archglob.com
https://archglob.com
Lynn G.
To what address can you mail in the application and documents for a replacement social security card?
A.C.
Hi, Lynn. 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. If you choose to mail your documents and completed application, please mail them to your local Social Security office. 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.
Tracy V.
Complimenti ottima recensione. Grazie da archglob.com
https://archglob.com
Janice M.
How do I change or stop my federal witholdings
A.C.
Hi, Janice. In order to have taxes withheld or change the amount of withholding from your Social Security benefit, you must start by printing, completing and submitting an IRS Voluntary Withholding Request Form (Form W-4V). The Form W-4V (to withhold federal taxes from your Social Security benefits) can be returned to your local Social Security office by mail or in person. See our Benefits Planner: Withholding Income Tax From Your Social Security Benefits web page for more information. We hope this helps.
Nancy W.
My husband is 71 years old, so has no employer ID. His passport is expired, as is his drivers license. He has lost his social security card.
He must have a social security card to get a state/government ID,which we do not have.
He must have a state/government ID to get a social security replacement card, which we do not have.
We are in a catch-22 situation; what can we do?
A.C.
Hi, Nancy. We prefer a government issued document with your husband’s picture, as proof of identity to replace his Social Security card. If he does not have one or he 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 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 you may not need a replacement card. He will rarely need to show it. Knowing his Social Security number is what is important. To learn more on the process and what documents he will need to get a card, please visit our Social Security Number and Card web page. We hope this helps!
Eileen L.
need social security card replaced
A.C.
Hi, Eileen. Thank you for your comment. 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.
Thomas s.
Need to get new card
A.C.
Hi, Thomas. 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.
Ada H.
My daughter needs a copy of letter from physician to verify ID. She wants to get a photo ID, needed to get replacement SS card, must have SS card to get photo ID! Going in circles.
Need letter form for physician to verify her ID.
Esther B.
My son had his billfold stolen. He needs a replacement card. Can I give you his information here and have you send his replacement card to his address?
Joan W.
Complimenti ottima recensione. Grazie da archglob.comB
https://archglob.com