General, Online Services, Social Security Number and Card

So You’ve Lost Your Social Security Card

July 25, 2016 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

lost ss cardLosing 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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About the Author

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

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Comments

  1. Tori F.

    How can I get a replacement social security card for my 5 yr. old daughter? I have lost it.

  2. Jere S.

    The next step of the labyrinth is to crack the order of the pyramid. This is your 3rd secret lead. 517232125

    http://tanasinn.org/

  3. Donna H.

    How can I replace a card if all my other documents to prove identity are list or stolen

    • L.A.

      Hi Donna. Please realize you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. However, if you must get a replacement card, and you live in one of the States shown on the map on this webpage, we have good news! You can use your personal my Social Security account to get a replacement Social Security card. We hope this helps.

  4. janet l.

    I would like to set up an appointment for my husband to replace his SS card. He couldn’t do it online. He will bring his Driver;s License and Passport to the appointment.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Janet. Generally, appointments are not needed to apply for Social Security cards. First, realize that he may not need a replacement card. He will rarely need to show it. Knowing the Social Security number is what is important. To see if he’s 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 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 he has 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.

  5. Dana M.

    Need to change my address.

    • J.Y.

      Hi Dana. You’re in luck! If you are receiving Social Security retirement, disability or have Medicare, you can create a my Social Security account to change your address online! If you are receiving SSI you must report the new address to your local Social Security office. To locate the nearest Social Security office in your area, click here.

  6. sheila w.

    16 year old lost(or was stolen) her billfold with a copy of her social security card and birth certificate (while looking for a job) how is this reported so that it cannot be used for income tax purpose.? She does not need a new card as that is in a save place.

  7. Kathryn O.

    will you return my original documents to me? Like birth certificate, and court order granting legal custody to me and my husband?

  8. Kathryn O.

    do you return the original documents to me (birth certificate, court order for child’s legal custody to me.) etc.?

    • Kathryn O.

      will you return my original documents

    • A.C.

      Hi, Kathryn. 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 and return any submitted documents. We hope this helps.

  9. George L.

    Last November I was informed by S/S that I needed to get in touch if I hadn’t received my New Medicare Card. That I had until Jan 2020 before the current one expired.
    I immediately responded, but it was several months before I finally got a reply … that being that I need to CALL. So I called. S/S informed me that Medicare & S/S address info was in conflict & that I should call each to straighten it out. I DID … but was told that I still needed to call S/S back and have them call Medicare to confirm. I did … and once again I got a REMINDER that I needed to call S/S to order my new Medicare Card.
    I DID … Only to be told this time that the address they had on file for me was an old P O Box that I closed years earlier … that my actual address is STILL :
    George Martin
    691 Twin Oaks Trail Unit C
    Dripping Springs, TX 78620

    … as registered with US Post Office in Dripping Springs.

    I don’t know what else I can do at this point. I’m on a very fixed income with limited Pay As You Go cellphone minutes, and I’ve exhausted my minutes TWICE talking to you on the phone. WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO GET MY NEW MEDICARE CARD SENT ???

    Thanks – George Martin
    gmartinds@gmx.com

  10. Jacob D.

    How do I get a replacement card so that I may get a drivers license or photo Id. I dont have a passport, or a drivers license or a photo id from the state. I do have a school photo id

    • A.C.

      Hi, Jacob. 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 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 web 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). Thanks for your understanding.

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