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. Roger H.

    I received a notice advising that I could secure a replacement SS card online if I reside in the state of TN.
    When I attempted to do so the website advised that I could not secure a replacement card online.

    I need someone to let me know if I can secure a replacement SS card online. If yes, how, if no, what do I need to do in order to secure a replacement SS card.

    Thank you

  2. Evan C.

    So, I got an email from the SSA this morning saying I could get a replacement SS Card online. BIG HEADLINE about us’em in NC! Logged into my account…..and nope….not happening. Tried going through the email link…..nothing. Did you send this out to all the SS Benificiaries in NC by mistake. Inquiring minds would like to know!

    • A.C.

      Hi, Evan. Sorry to hear that. 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.

  3. Jeff B.

    I received an email stating online card replacement is now available for TN. Yet when I log into my Social Security account, it states that online replacement is not available. Is there a certain date that this takes affect?

  4. James F.

    Need a replacement card

  5. PAUL L.

    Just received an email for SSA stating that I am now able to request a new social security card online however, when I log in, that option is not available. Why.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Paul. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. 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 hppe this helps.

  6. Tommy C.

    I do not need new social security card I need a new MEDICARE card. How do I get that?

    • A.C.

      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.

  7. Charles B.

    Please help me to replace my social security card and number by telephone 731-784 -2143. I can not manage the process on the computer because of my 85 year old age and mind. My social security number is *** – ** – ***.

    Thanks very much
    Charles B. Guy

    • A.C.

      Hi, Charles. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. 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 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. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.

  8. Kathy S.

    Need to schedule an appointment to talk about my retirement in November

    • A.C.

      Hi, Kathy. Hi. You do not have to make an appointment to come in to our offices, but with an appointment, you will be helped before our walk-in customers. You can schedule an appointment with your local office by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and a representative will assist you. In most cases, you can handle your business by phone. Thanks.

  9. Roswitha M.

    I need a new social security card

  10. Karen O.

    I did try this, it was not so easy and submitted it and have heard nothing (not good or bad)
    I thought I would have the card by now ??

Comments are closed.