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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Tags: Social Security benefits, Social Security card, SSN
See CommentsAbout the Author
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Comments
Comments are closed.
Kathy M.
How do I replace a two year old’s ss Card? We were told we need it to get our stimulus check?
Brenda P.
Help! I lost my social security and don’t remember my social security number. I need the form(s) to request a replacement card.
V.V.
Hi Brenda, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to obtain a replacement Social Security card. We hope this helps.
Alexis G.
hi i’ve lost my lost my social security card recently but i don’t know my nummber, what documents will i need to replace my card ?
Marvell
So what can I do about my stolen social security card after I request for my new one
Rick
My wallet was stolen and the perpetrator now has my card and access to my number etc. How do I secure it? The easiest way I can think of which protects me is to be assigned a new number. Os that possible?
V.V.
Hi Rick, thank you for using our blog to ask your question. Sorry to hear about your stolen wallet. 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. Read more at https://www.uscis.gov/mye-verify/self-lock. 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!
Nancy J.
My husband has alshimers ,his new SSCard is lost I have Power of Attorney for him but cannot find on your site how to get a replacement card for him. We need it for medical payments.Help please.
V.V.
Hi Nancy, Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to obtain a replacement Social Security card. We hope this is helpful.
MGT
When will the social security deduction from my salary in 2019 and reported on my W2 to the Social Security Agency be factored into the monthly benefit I receive in 2020.
As a perspective, last year, in 2019, the deductions from 2018 salary reported on W2 by my employer began being factored into my monthly benefits in March 2019.
I’ll appreciate your help to let me know when I will start receiving the same increase in 2020. Many thanks for your help.
MGT
Betty N.
Need a new social security card
V.V.
Hi Betty, thank you for your question. First, realize you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. However, if you must get a replacement card, you may be able to apply online. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to apply for a replacement Social Security card. If you are unable to apply online and you do not want to mail in your documents, which will be returned, you may need to wait for the offices to reopen. Use our Social Security Office Locator to find your local office address. We hope this helps.
Chanel V.
I lost my social and it says they cant verify my information to get new one
Kevin A.
I have lost my social security card and I don’t have none it’s hard for me to get a job at that it can you please help me
V.V.
Hi Kevin, thank you for your question. First, realize you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. However, if you must get a replacement card, you may be able to apply online. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to apply for a replacement Social Security card. If you are unable to apply online and you do not want to mail in your documents, which will be returned, you may need to wait for the offices to reopen. Use our Social Security Office Locator to find your local office address. We hope this helps.
Brittney G.
I lost my wallet with my social security card Link card and my I.d. I got the LINK don’t know how to get a replacement social security card. i think i applied for one don’t know if it went through. but then this girl over FACEBOOK sent me a message and said that she has my wallett with my i.d. and social security card and my Other LINK card in it. this was 4/19/2020 she wrote me a message and said she had it. WHAT should i do? SHOULD I REPORT HER TO THE POLICE for identity theft? i don’t have her address or anything. i have the message tho i know how to find her , her name is GIOVANNI Gayles please help me in any way what i should do!! can you tell me if my replacement card application has gone through!!