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. Louis S.

    I have lost my Social Security card. I would like a replacement.

  2. Anna v.

    My son has absolutely no identification. I recently got him a birth certificate. He can’t get an I d without a ss card. He can’t get a replacement ss card without an I d. Don’t tell me he can use the other four items you’re telling others they can use. My son has NOTHING but his birth certificate. There has to be a way he can get one or the other using just his birth certificate

    • L.A.

      Hi Anna. On our internet page titled “Learn what documents you will need to get a Social Security Card” for instructions on how to get an original or replacement Social Security card for a child, you will find a list of documents that we may be able to accept as identification for your child. We can accept only certain documents as proof of your child’s identity. You may also want to read our publication titled “Social Security Numbers for Children.” We hope this helps.

  3. Brandon L.

    My social security card has been stolen . need to know what i need to do to prctect me identidy

  4. Franklin D.

    My card was stolen, can the person that stole it us it to harm my lifestyle.

  5. John

    I lost my card a week ago. I tried to access the site listed in http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber , but I can’t figure out what to do next.
    Tell me please, how long will it take to restore the card?

    • L.A.

      Hi John. Thanks for your question. Typically, after we receive your application and verify your documents, you should receive your Social Security card by mail within 10 business days. To follow up on your application for a Social Security replacement card, contact the local Social Security office. We hope this helps

  6. Dori L.

    I have misplaced my social security card while I was moving. I need to get a replacement as soon as possible for my nursing job that starts on Wednesday. What can I do to get it? I can’t seem to register online because it says I have tried to many times and the information doesn’t match? Which is not true. Please guide me so I can have it for work Wednesday. Thank you, Dori Lynette Lowe

  7. LAWRENCE B.

    I need a replacement ss card, could you send a replacement card to me ?

  8. Phil S.

    No online replacement of SS card in NC? True?
    If I go to nearest office, what documents are required to get a replacement?

  9. Elaine G.

    To get the new passport license can I use MY Medicare card instead of my SS card.

  10. Synthia L.

    Bellissimo lavoro,bravo continua cosi!!

    https://www.sorrentoaurumgioielli.it

Comments are closed.