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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Nancy S.
I tried to apply for a replacement card. My address is too long for the available address fields so I received a don’t recognize address error message. What am I suppose to do? Frustrating.
L.A.
Hi Nancy. We are sorry to hear that you are having difficulty accessing your personal my Social Security account. If you are still unable to access your account or encounter another 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.
Catherine P.
I am a personal financial counselor working with a Soldier whose mother stole her identity. I there any way my client can get a totally new social security number? She is young and this is possibly going to affect her status for employment as there are negative items on her credit reports as a result. Do you have any suggestions?
L.A.
Hi Catherine. Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You or your client can find more information on FTC website, or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).
To learn more about the steps individuals can take to prevent or resolve issues of identity theft, you may want to read our publication titled “Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number.” We hope this helps.
Clarice W.
I lost my purse containing my social security card; so what are my options for getting a replacement. My birthday is 2/27/1942. Minutes
L.A.
Hi Clarice. We’re sorry to hear about your lost purse. Just a reminder— you should keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Please do not carry it with you. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. You may only need to show it to an employer or service provider. You may be eligible to get a replacement Social Security card electronically, learn more about this here.
If you suspect someone is using your Social Security number, you report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission online or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). In addition, you can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and Trans Union) online. For more information, check out our publication titled “Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number.” We hope this is helpful.
Matthew G.
I need a copy of my social security card.
L.A.
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.
DEBBIE G.
I applied for a replacement card, but it said my name or SSN number was not correct. Both where exactly correct, now I am concerned why I could not get the replacement card. How do I investagate this issue?
A.C.
Hi, Debbie. 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 is resolved soon.
Roger M.
I have an online mySocialSecurity account. I’ve logged in and do not see a link anywhere for an online application for a replacement SS card. It says to go to your local office.
It says you can apply online if your are a US citizen, over 18 and have a US address. But no link to apply. Then it contradicts by saying
“If you are a U.S. citizen, and have not gotten a replacement Social Security card or name change recently, you may not be eligible to use the online replacement card application in mySocial ecurity.”
What does that mean?
Where is the online link to the replacement card application?
A.C.
Hi, Roger. are sorry to hear you had difficulty requesting a replacement card online. If you are a U.S. citizen, and have not gotten a replacement Social Security card or name change recently, you may not be eligible to use the online replacement card application in your personal my Social Security account. To learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a replacement card, please visit our Social Security Number and Card page. If you need further assistance, contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Nick
After reading through the SSA site, I keep seeing SSA state over and over again that you really don’t need a replacement card. However, in the very same breath, state how you might perhaps need it for a new job. This world mean that you do need it, so why even bother telling people they won’t need a card when they will? Even a simple department of transportation job requires your SSN card. However, I do not know if you could get by with just telling them your SSN as most places want copies of documents.
Kitty M.
I would like to request a replacement SS card online. BUT it was ORIGINALLY issued by a state that does not currently allow online replacement (Alabama). I live in Georgia now and have a valid Real ID Georgia drivers license. Can I get a replacement SS card ONLINE in this situation. Your website makes the answer to this question confusing.
mary m.
I need to replace my childrens ss cards. how do i go about this?
K.O.
Hi Mary. 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.
todd
you assholes did not even address my question. you’re idiots