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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Martha H.
Do I need to go to my local SS office? I must have a SS card to get a special non-driver ID in VA before October 1, 2020. The DMV would not accept other accounts with my SSN on it (like an old brokerage account.
A.C.
Hi, Martha. 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.
Virginia B.
Hi.
How can I receive my enrollment letter( award letter)
In mail or via email?
Thank you
Virginia Blass
L.A.
Hi Virginia. Good news! If you need a benefit verification letter (proof of your benefits), you can view, print, and save your benefit verification letter using your personal my Social Security account. We hope this helps.
Eric O.
Can’t get in the email. Need password.
L.A.
Hi Eric. 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, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “help desk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
James E.
Why don’t we have plastic social security cards? Everyone in business sends plastic cards.
Karen O.
How do I change my address?
L.A.
Hi Karen. Good news! If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you can create a personal my Social Security account to change your mailing address online. You may also contact us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Lastly, you may contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Susan H.
So much information available on the web for me to take in afraid of internet interaction so much.
Barbara S.
I have tried getting a replacement SS card through the online service twice sending all documents required and have never gotten a response or acknowledgement either time. So what is the point if your system does not work?
L.A.
Hi Barbara. First, please realize that you will rarely need to show your Social Security number card. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. We are sorry to hear that you are having difficulty trying to use your personal my Social Security account. For problems 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.
Kelli F.
Cant find social security card & i never memorized the number, how can i get a new card?
L.A.
Hi Kelli. Good news! If you are 18 years old or older, you may be able to get a replacement Social Security card by creating a personal my Social Security account with us. If the State where you live is not listed among the States where we offer this service, then you will find the instructions about what documents you will need to get a replacement Social Security card here.
Ronald G.
NEED NEW SS CARD
Keyna L.
Can someone get SS card replacement if:
1) he has his SS card 15 years ago.
2) he is not the citizen nor lawful resident
3) he do invest business in US
A.C.
Hi, Kenya. First, realize that the individual may not need a replacement card. They will rarely need to show it. Knowing the Social Security number is what is important. To see if they’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents they will need to get a card please visit our Social Security Number and Card page. We hope this helps.