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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Jose M.
I lost my ssn card I need new one
A.C.
Hi,Jose. 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.
Cheryl T.
I am trying to replace my SS card that was lost 40 years ago, and long before I was married. I was asked online:’ what is the name on my SS card’? Is it the original name on the card when it was lost 40 years ago, or should I use my married name that I have been using for 35 years?
A.C.
Hi, Cheryl. 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.
If you are changing 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). It is the identity document (also known as your ID) that we will accept if it has expired; however, we still will need to see proof (legal document) of the name change. We offer the option for you to mail your completed application with original or certified documents to your local Social Security office. For more information about how and what to submit, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Terrell w.
I lost my ssc
L.A.
Hi Terrell. 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” internet 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. We hope this helps.
altagracia H.
TRATE DE COMUNICARME CON EL SEGURO SOCIAL DOS VECES Y ME FUE IMPOSIBLE ME COLGARON EN TODOS LOS INTENTOS
A.C.
Hi, Altagracia. For information in Spanish, please visit us at http://www.segurosocial.gov, http://www.facebook.com/segurosocial, or http://www.twitter/segurosocial. Thanks!
Laura J.
I found a SS card gold plated & dated 1936 in search of a lost & found US Mailing address will send it to SSA headquarters.
A.C.
Hi, Laura. We appreciate your concern. If you haven’t already returned it, you can also take or mail it to your local office as soon as possible. Thanks!
gina
I’ve lost my identification card ( Ca DL) and social security card. I have copies of my DL and a copy of my insurance card. they are colored copies. I’m having a difficult time getting these documents again due to having lost them. can i get a social security card with copies of insurance card and DL. Please help.
Thank you
A.C.
We prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security 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 learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card, our Social Security Number and Card web page. We hope this helps!
LeEllen A.
Hello, I need a replacement SS card!
A.C.
Hi, LeEllen. 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.
Kristen S.
My purse was stolen the other day where do I report the loss of my social security card too
A.C.
Hi, Kristen. 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). For more information, check out our publication, Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number. We hope this helps.
Mattie M.
My son has a documented history of epilepsy and there have been times when he was fallen in the street and emergency calls were made for an ambulance…a few times when he was released, his wallet was missing. He can’t get another card because he has reached his limit for replacement. Is there any recourse for future need of verification of Social Security?
Alyssa H.
So how do you keep someone from using your social security card if it was stolen? I have two kids and their grandmother stole the cards so how do I keep her from using the numbers to use on her tax return? There is no place to report them stolen and there should be.
A.C.
We are sorry to hear about your situation, Alyssa. Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. You can find more information on their website: http://www.idtheft.gov or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). To learn more about the steps individuals can take to prevent or resolve issues of identity theft, check out our publication, Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number. We hope this helps.