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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TSL
My mother-in-law has no photo id of any kind, lost during move, but she does have a state certified birth certificate and marriage certificate. What options does she have for getting a replacement card? She cannot get a photo ID in the stat she is in because she does not have her SS card, but she cant get her SS card without a photo ID!!! She needs help!!
V.V.
Hi TSL, thank you for your question. Your mother-in-law may be able to apply for a replacement Social Security card online. If she doesn’t qualify to apply online, then she can apply by mail with required documentation. All documents must be either originals or certified copies. To learn more on how to get a replacement card and see if she can apply online, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page. We hope this helps!
PJ
I have a friend whose boyfriend lost his SS card when he moved from California to Florida and has an expire license/ID. It seems like you typically need one to get the other so what can they do?
V.V.
Hi PJ. Have him check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to obtain a replacement Social Security card. If he’s unable to request the replacement card online, have him check out the Coronavirus web page on replacement cards. Hopefully this helps.
eric s.
how do you report a stolen ss card to prevent identity theft? All offices are closed because of the virus.
V.V.
Hi Eric. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) created a Self-Lock process. Locking an SSN helps stop individuals from using stolen SSNs to gain work authorization through E-Verify. 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”. 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” web page. We hope this information helps!
Osmary
I’m 16, do I need to have a parent visible with me to get my replaced Social security?
Wanda M.
My son now lives in California but he got his social security card here in Arizona can he go to the Social Security Department in California and get a copy of your Social Security card
jackie l.
MORE’EN /OMAHA NEBRASKA 68104////// BEAUYFULL DAY
dennis s.
I lost mine
Russell G.
Several docs say go to your local ss office. no where can I find a listing , where is it. if you say go there do not leave me hanging . hundreds of links but no useful info.
Alina
Hello !
I need your help.
I was in USA 8 years ago and I was working j1 visa. Now I am in Russia , this year will do work visa and I need my ssn. But I can’t find this card . I need just number of this card . Can you help me please?
A.C.
Hi, Alina. Since you are living outside of the U.S. you can contact your local Federal Benefits Unit for any assistance related to Social Security benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. We hope this helps.
Abdullah
HI
I’m right now in Saudi Arabia, and want to renew my daughter passport, she is 5 years old, but the issue that I have I lost her SSC, and I don’t know the number. the question is can I renew her passport here in Saudi Arabia without the SS number or card, if not how I can get the number or the replacement card from Saudi Arabia. please let me know all possible options.
Thanks
A.C.
Hi, Abdullah. Since you are living outside of the U.S. you can contact your local Federal Benefits Unit for any assistance related to Social Security benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. We hope this helps.