General, Online Services, Social Security Number and Card

So You’ve Lost Your Social Security Card

July 25, 2016 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

lost ss cardLosing 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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About the Author

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

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Comments

  1. Bruce B.

    You make this difficult because the person cannot go back in your system

  2. Richard E.

    Please change my email address from
    rbatwood@myfairpoint.net.
    To
    rbatwood1@gmail.com

    Thanks

  3. Robert N.

    I , supplied all the above ONCE already.

    Do , You , do Not keep Records ?

    Robert Newsom

    951-695-0098

  4. Dianne M.

    The site is not allowing me to sign in or change user and password.

    • L.A.

      Hi Dianne. 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.

  5. Dustin K.

    I need a new social security card

    Dustin Kent Williams
    8105 NW 107th Street
    Oklahoma City OK 73162

  6. Mr. S.

    I need to find your 2018 1099 FORM TO file my income tax.

    where can i do that please? i am late in filing…many thanks.

    my SS is *** – ** – ***

  7. SIEGFRIED E.

    I have lost and forgotten my password to access my social security account. How do I get this information because I want to see what is paid into my account and what is deducted. Do I visit the local office? Or is there an email address which would help me in getting this information?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Siegfried. If you are still unable to access your account or encounter a 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. Thanks!

  8. Patricia T.

    Hello,
    I need to change my Social Security for deposit into another bank. How do I do this?
    Thank you,
    Patricia Ann Thayer

    • L.A.

      Hi Patricia. Good news! If you receive Social Security benefits you can create or access your personal my Social Security account and change your direct deposit online. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, and want to establish or update direct deposit information, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) for assistance, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Generally, you may have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. We hope this helps.

  9. James L.

    I cannot enter my account despite what I have written down in my files.

  10. Pamela D.

    What if the card is for eight year old?

    • L.A.

      Hi Pamela. In most cases, you will rarely need to show your child’s Social Security card, just knowing your child’s Social Security number is what is important. If you must get a replacement card, learn more about how to do that here. We hope this is helps.

Comments are closed.