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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Morgan D.
How can I apply for a new SSA card online?
In advance Thank You for your help.
L.A.
Hi Morgan. Thanks for your question. 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. We hope this helps.
Esteban B.
Lost my social security
L.A.
Hi Esteban. 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. We hope this helps.
Carol (.
I need to correct my name on my card. I did not sign up with my legal name about 55 years ago because I always used a shortened form of my name. Legal name is Carolene but my card says Carol. Do I need to send you an original birth certificate or do I need to go to nearest office?
L.A.
Hi Carol. In order to change your name on your Social Security card, you must show us a document that proves your legal name change. If the document you provide as evidence of a legal name change does not give us enough information to identify you in our records, you must show us an identity document in your “old” name (as shown in our records) and another document showing your “new” name. To learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card, please check out our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
John P.
How do I update my mailing address?
A.C.
Hi, John. If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability, you can create a personal my Social Security account to change your address online. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, you should contact your local office immediately. We hope this helps.
Shirley W.
I need to see about getting a replacement Social Security card…I would like to see if i Can make an appointment? it would be for the office in Gulfport, Mississippi on Three Rivers Road…I don’t want to mail my Drivers License I the mail…Thank you
A.C.
Hi, Shirley. 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. We hope this helps.
Valerie S.
To Whom It May Concern:
I mailed the completed SS-5 form along with a copy of my drivers license on July 30, 2019 to the Monroeville, PA Social Security Office. I have yet to receive my replacement card.
Please advise why I have not received it and what would be the next steps I should take.
Thanking you in advance
L.A.
Hi Valerie. 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. You may be eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online. You mentioned that you sent a “copy of your drivers license.” Please note that we can only accept original documents or certified copies from the agency that issued them. 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. We hope this helps
Shauna M.
This doesn’t tell me if or how I should report a stolen card to prevent identify theft. Please add information here.
Phil
Went online to request a replacement, after signing in this message was on my home page indicating that I cannot request an online replacement card. I have a valid WI drivers license. Do you know why I can’t do this online?
Home Page:
Social Security Card Replacement
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.
A.C.
Hi, Phil. We are sorry to hear that. 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. In your situation, it may be best to visit your local field office so that a representative may assist you. Thanks!
James L.
I thought that we were to destroy our cards because they had the SSAN on them. Please comment on this.
Norman A.
Unable to find address to send application to. Either on the site or the application.
Please send address or location of same so I can send application. I’m unable to upload so I have to use snail mail. Thank you.
A.C.
Hi, Norman. 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.