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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Heidi V.
I just got out of prison October 6, 2018 while I was gone my social security card came up missing. I need my s.s. card to get an ID but I only have my prison Is it’s expired but it has my birth date my San my name and a picture I also have my birth certificate am I able to get a card with these?
A.C.
Hi, Heidi. We are sorry to hear about your situation. 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). A certified document is basically a photocopy or extract of a file, sealed with a ribbon and the seal of the agency issuing the copy of the document on file. 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 learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card, please visit our Social Security Number and Card page. You can also call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 and one of our agents can assist you in helping you find a suitable proof of identity document. Social Security requires each applicant to present documentary evidence of his or her identity due to the growing problem of identity theft and to establish that the person who is applying for a replacement Social Security card is the true number holder (i.e., the person to whom we originally assigned the Social Security number). We hope this helps.
Stephen E.
i havent been able to find my social security card
Myrissah D.
I am trying to replace my social security card and I don’t have my number memorized. I graduated a little while ago and haven’t had to use it for anything and need to know how to replace the card and get my number and this websight is the only way of getting it back but they need my social security number and I don’t remember it.
A.C.
Hi, Myrissah. 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. You can also visit your local Social Security office for further assistance. We hope this helps.
Sue B.
We lost our social security cards in the California wildfires. When I went to the place online to get replacements it said I couldn’t do that. I need to get replacements for myself, my husband, and my 99 year old father as well as make sure address changes are in there.
A.C.
Hi, Sue. 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.
Ismael M.
Change my address
Old address : P.O. Box 55058
Jerusalem 9155001
Israel
New address : P.O.Box 42025
Jerusalem 9138903
Israel
My social security number is : *** – ** – ***
A.C.
Hi, Ismael. If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability, you can create a personal my Social Security account to change your address online. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, you should contact your local office immediately. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
Janice G.
My niece is incarcerated at Mabel Bassett Correctional Facility in McLoud, Oklahoma. She needs a replacement Social Security card. How can she obtain one while incarcerated? I have sent for her birth certificate as she needs that also.
Rose a.
How can iget copy again my ss number? Because i really cant remember and ive lost my e-1 reciept.
V.V.
Thank you for your question, Rose ann. It sounds like you may need to apply for a replacement Social Security card and 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.
Orlando C.
Thank you for notified on this. Tons of Info to spread .
https://www.yasmintransport.com
Thomas A.
Hello!
My SSI (for my kids) is going to my ex wife (because she took it\the ssi check away from me, and she also took my kids = playing games with me & my disability!)!
My SSI check recieved monthly, (by my ex wife Leslie Owens), was my Only means for me to have & take care of my kids! I am totally disabled. I’m Living barely off my Disability check.
My question to you is this:
Can I please get my SSI check back to me; so, I can: get my kids back with me?
**Also to let you know: my ex (Leslie Owens) & her new husband: Craig Owens) both have full time jobs!!!!
& cruelly; they’re collecting my SSI check, and wisking away on trips every other month = just them 2!
Please Please Help!!!! Thank you! I pray you can Help! Sincerely, Thomas A. Unold
A.C.
Hi, Thomas. 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.
Madlyne T.
have not received a new medicare card. I am not doing well with the process. Please send a new card
A.C.
Hi, Madlyne. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. For more information about the new Medicare card and what to do if you did not receive yours, please visit Medicare’s website here. We hope this helps.