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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Edwin H.
I still haven’t received my new Medicare card
L.A.
Hi Edwin. If you need a replacement Medicare card or immediate proof that you have Medicare, Please follow the instruction found here. Hope this helps!
Tracy K.
How do I replace the social security card for my mother who has dementia?
A.C.
Hi, Tracy. First, realize that your mother may not need a replacement card. She will rarely need to show it. Knowing the Social Security number is what is important. To learn more on the process and what documents she will need to get a card please visit our Social Security Number and Card page. Additionally, while you may be able to assist your elderly mother, please keep in mind that Social Security records are confidential and we do not disclose information, unless we have proper authorization or consent. Having a power of attorney, being an authorized representative, or having a joint bank account with your mother, does not authorize you to access information on her Social Security record. Please see our Representative Payee web page for more information on this topic. We hope this information helps.
Lois J.
I have been married (X2), twice, and the card I find in my wallet where I thought my “new” card was, and when I did get it out and check it over, it had my first married name one it. I need a replacement because I have not ever seen one with married name I have now.
L.A.
Hi Lois. To get a replacement Social Security card, you will find the instruction on what you need to do online. We hope this helps.
Nita M.
Is there any way I can have statements and what ever else sent to my P.O. Box instead of my e-mail? If so my P.O. Box 1641 Prosser, WA 99350. Thank you
A.C.
Hi, Nita. 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. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
Barbara M.
I have misplaced my social security card and need it for
requiring a document.
A.C.
Hi, Barbara. 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.
James (.
I have moved to another state and I closed my bank acct which my ss was deposited into. I need to have my checks deposited into my new checking acct. I can give both banks acct numbers if it will be secure. Thank you
L.A.
Hi James. Good news! If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability, you can create or login into your personal my Social Security account to change your Direct Deposit information. Please note, if you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, we need you to call us to report your changes. Please contact us by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Also, your bank, credit union, or savings and loan can assist you with setting up your direct deposit for your new account. Please report to us a non-receipt of payment immediately. We hope this helps.
JoAnn
Someone new to us was in our home last week, and my son’s social security card was not where I thought I had left it. He’s 21, but we keep the card here so it won’t get lost. How do I make sure that his SS number is not being misused by someone else (or how does he since he’s 21)? How do we check up on this sort of thing?
L.A.
Hi JoAnn. Just a reminder— you should keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers, neither should you carry it with you. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing the Social Security number is what is important. You may only need to show it to an employer or service provider. Your son may be eligible to get a replacement Social Security card electronically, learn more about this here.
If you suspect someone is using his Social Security number, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission online or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). In addition, you can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and Trans Union) online. For more information, check out our publication titled “Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number.” We hope this is helpful.
Patricia B.
I need a awards letter in order to get a loan, my SS# I have no idea what this is could you please let me know
Patricia B Meznarich
A.C.
Hi, Patricia. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. If you still need a benefit verification letter, you can view, print, and save your benefit verification letter by setting up a personal my Social Security account online. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
Diana L.
Single name , married name different . need new card with married name
Single name Diana L . Countryman
Married name Diana L. Rumsey
L.A.
Hi Diana. 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.
Paul M.
How much is it to replace a lost social security card?
A.C.
Hi, Paul. The Social Security Administration does not charge for a replacement Social Security card. 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.