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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Yazmin A.
How do I report a lost social security card?
Vonda V.
Hi Yazmin, thank you for your question. If you lost your Social Security card, 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.
Antone O.
How can I show my job that I signed up for a new card to get hired ? My phone num is 3474896730
Vonda V.
Hi Antone, thanks for using our blog. If you already have a Social Security number and you cannot request a replacement card online, call your local office and request that we mail you an SSN printout instead of a replacement Social Security card. We are unable to process replacement Social Security card requests by phone at this time.
amee o.
are the offices open for services yet? to come in person to get a replacement card?
Matthew J.
I sent in my original I’d 5 days ago and requested temp card because I’m desperate. Will they call or respond??
Michael
I wish I could do online replacement in Minnesota. I live in St.Paul and have to go all the way to Minneapolis to get a replacement card. I don’t have a car and it’s hard to get a ride to the office. The Minneapolis office is always crowded too.
Joycie d.
Hi I need a new card for my son
Ann C.
Hi, Joycie. During the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, we are dedicating available staff to serve people in most critical need of our services. It may be best to wait until our offices reopen. For more information and to subscribe for updates, visit here. Thanks!
Elaine M.
I have lost my Social Security card and need another one, can l go into the office to get one?
Ann C.
Hi, Elaine. Thanks for your question. Our offices remain closed to the public for face-to-face service. 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. 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.
Dominga P.
I have lost my Social Security card and my State ID.
Vonda V.
Hi Dominga, 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 cannot request a replacement card online, call your local office and request that we mail you an SSN printout instead of a replacement Social Security card. We are unable to process replacement Social Security card requests by phone at this time.
Tom
Hi. Are your offices open now?
Vonda V.
Hi Tom, thanks for using our blog. Social Security Offices are closed to the public for face-to-face service during the COVID-19 pandemic but you can still get our help by using our online services or calling us.
You can do most of your business with SSA online. Before calling us, please visit our website to see our list of convenient and secure self-service options. Save time and go online.
Please continue to check the Social Security and Coronavirus web page for updates. You may select Subscribe to receive alerts from us when we add or change information.
Therese R.
I need a replacement SS card and the offices are closed. What identification do I need to submit when mailing in the application? I do not want to mail in my DL and my passport is expired. I do not have a work ID with a picture or a medical card with a picture.
Ann C.
Hi, Therese. You may be able to request a replacement Social Security card online by visiting your personal my Social Security account. If not, please visit here for information on what documents to submit for a replacement card. We hope this helps.
Matthew
Can I get replacement as card without birth certificate. I have drivers license marriage license and a notarized judge order with my name and ss#
Ann C.
Hi, Matthew. 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. 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. Also, keep in mind a birth certificate is proof of age and citizenship, not identity. 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.
Matthew J.
Thanks – can I get a temporary card for new job while I wait thanks
Matthew J.
Last question please will ssa keep my original documents for the whole 10 business days thanks a lo
Dantez L.
Hi I’m writing yal’l to let ya’ll no somebody using my social security
Vonda V.
Hi Dantez. Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. Visit http://www.identitytheft.gov to report identity theft and get a recovery plan or call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on what you can do if you think someone is using your Social Security number.