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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Rob P.
My son lost his card and unfortunately had an expired license – so we utilized a medical record as proof. However, the SS official said it wasn’t certified – can you provide a more detailed explanation of what a certified medical record is? Is it a letter with the doctors office identifying that the enclosed medical record was provided by their office as proof of identification of the individual? Is there a “stamp” like you get with a notary? It would really help to know exactly what to ask from the doctor’s office in order to ensure they certify the record as proof.
A.C.
Hello, Rob. To be considered a certified photocopy, the document must be a copy of the original and the custodian (clinic, doctor, hospital) must affix a signature, stamp, or seal with a statement attesting to the accuracy of the photocopy. In your case, a letter from the doctor can be included with the medical records, both documents will have to be originals and bear the office’s stamp and proper signatures. A certified copy of a medical record (clinic, doctor, or hospital) or letter from the medical record must also show the applicant’s name and the applicant’s date of birth or age. We can’t accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents, and we can only accept certain documents as proof of identity. For example, as proof of identity Social Security must see a valid U.S. driver’s license, State-issued non-driver identification card, or U.S. passport. For more information, please read our publication, “Your Social Security Number and Card.” Thanks.
Eric
Good info but when you do get your new ssc, would the person that has your old one still able to use that card???
A.C.
Hi, Eric. Should you suspect that someone has used your Social Security number, go to http://www.idtheft.gov and report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). You may also find it useful to read our publication “Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number”. We hope this helps.
Crystal
hello. i lost my SS card and i now need to get a replacement as i got married this month. i need a new SS card with my name change. is it possible to go in ur office to get a replacement WITH a name change.
R.F.
Thanks for your question and congratulations on your marriage Crystal. In order to change your name on your Social Security card, you must show us original or certified documents that verifies your legal name change. In your case, documents we may accept include your marriage certificate with another type of identification. For complete instructions, please go to Social Security Number and Card. When ready, you can take or mail your application and documents to the nearest Social Security office or card center in your area.
Savannah C.
I need to know how to get a social security card if I only have a copy of my social security card and birth certificate with an expired student ID . What would I do to get a new ss card
R.F.
Hi Savannah, we do not need your birth certificate to replace your Social Security card. We prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your card. If you do not have one or you cannot get one within a reasonable amount of time, we may be able to use other documents such as:
•Employee identification card;
•School identification card;
•Health insurance card; or
•U.S. military identification card.
Any documents you submit, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show your name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age).
Also, realize that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your 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 “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!
Ashley
Hi I am 15 and trying to get my temps. I have either lost my social security card or never got one. I have the number but I need the card to get my temps. How do I get a card without an ID
R.F.
Hi Ashley. See Learn What Documents You Need to find out what documents you will have to show. You can fill out and print an Application for a Social Security Card; and take or mail your application and documents to your local Social Security office. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for further assistance. Our representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7.p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day, or later in the week, thanks.
sharon k.
my son lost his wallet with i.d. and ss card, secretary of state says he needs ss card to get replacement i.d. and ss states he needs i.d. to get replacement ss card. he has no work i.d. or student i.d., what can he do.
R.F.
Hi Sharon! Yes, we prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security card. If your son does not have one or if he cannot get one within a reasonable amount of time, we may be able to use other documents such as:
•Employee identification card;
•School identification card;
•Health insurance card; or
•U.S. military identification card.
Any documents you submit, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show his name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age).
To see if he’s eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents he will need to get a card Please visit our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!
Maureen V.
Hi,
My son just got a job & his employer is requesting for the SS card but his card was lost in out process of moving. If we go to the SS office & apply I know it takes time to receive the card. Is there a way the SS office can issue a letter that he can show his employer so he can start working?
Shawna
Hello, I misplaced my SS card and just got a new job. I went online yesterday and applied for a replacement, but they are wanting proof of my ordering a new one and my number. 🙁 Do I have to go into a local office to do that? Will they consider that two requests for a replacement card or can someone get me a receipt showing I did this for my job?
R.F.
Hi Shawna, you can request a receipt at the time you apply for a replacement Social Security card. In your situation it may be best to visit your local Social Security office or card center. Please visit our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page, to learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card. Thanks!
Tomi
I misplaced my social security card and I was wondering if I needed to take any preventative measures to ensure my identity is not stolen? I am 18 and have my whole life ahead of me and I don’t want to have to deal with issues of a stolen identity following me if there is some way I can prevent that.
R.F.
Hi Tomi. If at any time you think someone may be using your Social Security number, there are several actions you can take. Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information. Remember that you rarely need to show your Social Security card, knowing your number is what’s important. We recommend that you keep your card in a safe and secure place. To learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a replacement Social Security card visit our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!
Rick E.
My 23 year old step-son has a SS number and a U.S. birth certificate, his physical SS card has been lost for years and he has never had a state issued ID or driver’s license. We live in Nevada and without a SS card he can’t get a state issued ID and without a state issued ID he can’t get a SS card.
So, now what? He can’t get a job because every interview he’s been on they require a physical copy of his SS card.
R.F.
Hi Rick. Yes, we prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security card. If your step-son does not have one or cannot get one within a reasonable amount of time, we may be able to use other documents such as:
•Employee identification card;
•School identification card;
•Health insurance card; or
•U.S. military identification card.
Any documents he submits, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and must show his name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age).
To learn more on the process visit our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!