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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Tags: Social Security benefits, Social Security card, SSN
See CommentsAbout the Author
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Comments
Comments are closed.
Sharyn K.
My social security card is laminated. I need to replace as dmv will not accept it in order to get new “star” drivers license. License is current, but need to replace it
L.A.
Hi Sharyn. Good news! You may be eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online. We hope this helps.
susan g.
I have the original old paper card that is very worn from 40+ years ago..can I update it to a plastic one?
L.A.
Hi Susan. 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. Also, you may be eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online. We hope this helps.
Ethel a.
Help.. I sent my passport to Social Security Along with the application for a new Social Security card on October 8. Three days ago on October 11 I got the same application asking me to fill it out since I requested a new Social Security card but where is my passport? I’m leaving the country in one week I need my passport back please please help me. I have the tracking number…
9400136897846060087116. My Social Security is XXXXXXXXX
L.A.
Hi Ethel. Unfortunately, but for your security, we do not have access to personal information in this forum. You can also call our toll free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), from Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. You may contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Ethel a.
Help..my passport was sent to the D Street office with the appropriate application..just received an application in the mail..the same one I sent into SS on October 8..Oh my god where is it I have to leave the country I need my passport I have the tracking number. It is 9400136897846060087116. Can you please help me
Hal G.
Why do I get a message saying I cannot request a new SS card online. I am 67 years old and an American citizen and always have been?
L.A.
Hi Hal. 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.
John T.
What happens if your wallet was stolen and your SS card and license/State ID were both in the wallet? My son lost both due to this. How does he get a copy of his SS card?
L.A.
Hi, John. We are sorry to hear that your son’s card was stolen. We prefer a government issued document with son’s picture, as proof of identity to replace his Social Security card. In addition to a valid Driver’s license or a state ID card, 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 document he submits, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show his name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age). To learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page. To find the nearest Social Security Office or Card Center in your area, click here. If you are concerned that someone could misuse his Social Security number, check out our publication titled “Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number”. We hope this is helpful.
Janet R.
Don’t have the new Social Security card
L.A.
Hi Janet. 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. We hope this helps.
Alexandra C.
Everyone will need a copy of their social security card to obtain a real ID driver’s license, so it’s no longer valid to state that we don’t need a card
MALCOLM T.
Everything but the locations of Md offices!!! Really.
Paul H.
I have been sent two cards and received none. I’ve had to contact credit agencies and tried to have SS send one again but I’m scared to ask please help!
A.C.
Hi, Paul. We are sorry to hear about your situation. 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 helps.