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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Kevin S.
I received the email this morning advising me I could now request a replacement card on line, so I logged into my SSN account. When I scrolled down to the “Social Security Card Replacement” section this is what it said:
We’re sorry. We cannot process your request.
You cannot request a replacement card online.
Please contact your local office if you need a replacement card.
What’s the deal, one says I can, the site says I can’t.
A.C.
Hi, Kevin. We are sorry to hear that. 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. If you encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Miguel A.
I move from my old house to the new house and I was loking for my cittizen certifique and I have no able to find it I have my passport i try to check on Emigration and they charge $500.oo dollares for a copy my question is there is nessesary to spend that much money for a copy to just show you that paper please let me know what I have to do. Thank
MIGUEL .
A.C.
Hi, Miguel. If you are referring to getting a replacement Social Security card, 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.
John E.
I received an email stating I can request a new SS card online. When I logged into SS, the site said you can not request a SS card on line
A.C.
Hi, John. We are sorry to hear that. 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. If you encounter a problem with your personal my Social Security account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Chuck J.
Just received an email titled “Great News Kansas! Request a replacement Social Security Card Online!”. Went to my account on the SS website and got a “Unable to process your request. Go to a local office”. I’ve done that in the past. Waited 6 hours, never got served, they closed for the day and shooed everyone out. Is this what our government considers acceptable customer service?
Gary L.
A phone number would be swell.
Carol C.
I am locked out of my account and would like to apply for a SS card and mine is lost.
Dixie L.
Need to replace SS card
A.C.
Hi, Dixie. 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.
Michael J.
I am unable to apply for a SSA replacement card online but should be able to do so.
Karen
What does one do if they have never had a drivers license and is trying to get a state ID, but they need a SS card to obtain one? The person is a college student.
What documents might you use so that you can get a replacement?
L.A.
Hi Karen. First, 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, you will need to gather documents proving both your identity and citizenship status. Here, you can read about what documents you need to prove your citizenship or work-authorized immigration status, and more about the process of replacing a Social Security card. We hope this helps.
Robert E.
It got washed in the laundry. Just destroyed it