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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Justin
I need a ssn card to renew my ID.
I need an ID to replace my ss card.
I’ve got my birth certificate.
What can I do?
L.A.
Hi Justin. Before you request a replacement card, you should 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. But, if you must get a replacement Social Security card, we have good news! You may be eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online. Also, the instructions for getting a replacement Social Security card manually are found online. We hope this helps.
Jakeya
Hello, I wonder why my social security card got lost two times on mail and its really frustrating. My university called the social security but they have no much information other then just letting me know that they have issued me my SSN but they never have clue where the card Is. I think one time when card gets lost you can accept it but not twice and the 3rd time definitely you cant take any risk as you will only be issued 3 cards once a year and 10 in life time. I really suggest the SSN office to put tracking number it will save alot of time and is very effective. Even the post offices are not ready to take any responsibility without a tracking number which do make sense to me. And as it’s such an important documents there should be security and a tracking system. I would recommend this highly.
Judith A.
How can I learn if someone is using my Social Security #.
I recently lost my card or it was stolen.
A.C.
Hi, Judith. If you suspect someone is using your Social Security number, you should go to http://www.idtheft.gov and report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission 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). To order your credit report go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228. For more information, check out our publication, Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number. We hope this helps.
Rey G.
My son had lost his ssc card a long while ago. He recently graduated early 2019. Now he wants to look for a job. He went to the ssc agency and took the second set of documents since he doesn’t have a ID. He took a -high school identification card-health ins. card-his birth certificate. They did not accept the high school ID card, saying it was to old( not sure why when he graduated in 2019). Please tell me what to do because I feel like we’re stuck in a Catch 22 situation.
A.C.
Hi, Rey. An acceptable document must show your child’s name, identifying information (i.e., age, date of birth, or parents’ names) and preferably a recent photograph. We generally can accept a non-photo identity document if it has enough information to identify the child (such as the child’s name and age, date of birth or parents’ names). For more information visit here. We hope this helps.
Tanisha
Lost my social security card
L.A.
Hi Tanisha. Please note before you request a replacement card, you should 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. If you cannot get your replacement Social Security number card online, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page to learn more on the process, and what documents you will need to get a card,. To find the nearest Social Security Office or Card Center in your area, click here. If you suspect someone is using your Social Security number, you report the theft 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. We hope this helps.
chen l.
Hello
I lost my ssn card. May I have some suggestion from you? I am not sure what shoul i do. Thank you
L.A.
Hi Chen. Please note before you request a replacement card, you should 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. If you cannot get your replacement Social Security number card, you can 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. We hope this helps.
Justin E.
I lost my social security card and would like a new copy sent to my address 7455 rd.21 Goodland KS.67735
L.A.
Hi Justin. Please note before you request a replacement card, you should 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. If you cannot get your replacement Social Security number card, you can 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 yWe hope this helps.
Wendy n.
Well, my comment is a question. My son lost his wallet which had his ss card in it. He needs original card to get his first drivers license. I called local ss office to see if i can get appt but it cuts u off if you dont press first or second option, which neither are appropriate. Im not comfortable doing it online nor sending originals by mail. I am handicapped, so i dont want to go down to department just to ask this question. Can someone answer this?
L.A.
Hi Wendy. 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. If your son is 18 years old or older, he may be eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online. If he is not eligible to get his replacement card online, he will find the instruction about what documents he will need to get a replacement Social Security card here. We hope this helps.
Mike M.
My wife is a naturalized citizen and has no birth certificate. After filling out her application for Medicare, SSA is now requesting a document that does not exist. I am unable to find information that addresses this situation.
She has a passport and her naturalization papers. What is she expected to do?
L.A.
Hi Mike. For your security, and your wife’s security, we do not have access to your personal information in this forum. For specific questions about your account, please 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 also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Lorraine O.
please send me a replacement card.
L.A.
Hi Lorraine. Good news! You may be eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online. We hope this helps.