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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Portia F.
Can you apply online with a different address than what’s on your ID?
Patricia L.
My mother in law lost her deceased spouses social security card. She gets social security benefits from her deceased husband. Does she need to get another copy of the card? She is worried about someone finding it and trying to use the number. What is the proper thing to do in this situation
Thank You
A.C.
Hi, Patricia. To learn more about the steps individuals can take to prevent or resolve issues of identity theft, read our publication, Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number. If she suspects identity theft, she should visit http://www.idtheft.gov and report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). We hope this helps.
Francis P.
I need a ss5 form to apply for replacement Social Security Card
A.C.
Hi, Francis. 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.
Charles F.
We have lost my sons Social Security card. We need a copy for obtaining his drivers license.
How do I proceed in getting a new one?
Dwight C.
How do I get a replacement SS card for my son who is 7 weeks old? The envelope containing his card may have gotten mixed in with junk mail and shredded by accident.
Jan D.
Is it ok or legal to laminate your SS card? I’ve had mine for so many years it is getting kind of tattered around the edges so I thought laminating it would help. I’ve heard it was illegal though.
Patrick W.
I live in Ohio. I have to mail in my SS-5 form for a replacement SS card. Where do I mail it? to what office do I mail the form?
A.C.
Hi, Patrick. You can submit your application with documents to your local Social Security office. Keep in mind all submitted documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency and must (unless otherwise indicated) have been issued within the last two years. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. Once you’ve submitted all the needed documents, it can take up to 10 business days from the date we received the application to mail a replacement card. We hope this helps.
florence w.
Is the new replacement card one that can be used to get a new drivers license that is required?
Mark S.
I need a new social security card I don’t have a printer can you send me one.
A.C.
Hi, Mark. 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.
Elizabeth H.
I am seeing that my state allows online application for a replacement SS card. But when I go to apply, it says I have to go to my local office. Not helpful!!!!