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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Justin s.
Need a replacement social security card can I get two please and thank you
Kenny O.
Hi Justin, 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. You can also call your local office and see if they will 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. Use our Social Security Office Locator to find your local office address. We hope this helps.
Jabari L.
Where do I find the address to send the application for a replacement lost social security card?
Thank you
Vonda V.
Hi Jabari, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Social Security Office Locator for your local office mailing address and telephone number. Thanks.
Carlos S.
My social security card is lost and I need it to find work. Also I have a change of address so if I were to apply I’d need to be able to choose where I want the card sent. Appreciate the time taken out to help me
Vonda V.
Hi Carlos, 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. You can also call your local office and see if they will 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. Use our Social Security Office Locator to find your local office address. We hope this helps.
Maverick O.
I lost my social security card but I don’t know my social security number .
How can apply for new social security number and new card.
Vonda V.
Hi Maverick, 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. You can also call your local office and see if they will 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. Use our Social Security Office Locator to find your local office address. We hope this helps.
Kathy R.
Lost my social security card along with my purse.
Vonda V.
Hi Kathy, thank you for using our blog. 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.
Matthew J.
SSA said they processed my application for replacement card 6/17 so how long til I get it- thanks Matthew
Vonda V.
Hi Matthew, thanks for using our blog. We will mail your Social Security card as soon as we have all of the necessary information. Generally, you will get your card within 10-14 business days from the date your application is processed. You can check on the status of the application by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
Jeremiah E.
I have reached the lifetime limit of cards allotted. I’m unsure of what to do now. I dont have a birth certificate it is sealed. I just have a state id card. It won’t let me order online file a request. I have 3 kids to feed. I need my card for work. What should I do?
Vonda V.
Hi Jeremiah, thanks for using our blog. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
sandra r.
My social security card was stolen. Someone got a mortgage loan under my identity. Because of covid the ssi agency access is unavailable. When I went online ssi to request a replacement AND to report fraud, someone had used my info ( including credit card #) and says a record had been opened, then requesting use password, which I did not create this record on line so dont have.So no replacement card for a while.
Im concerned the fraud person is out there w my info, selling card to non citizens, or dark web or who knows what else, but there is no place even online to actually type/report the problem to someone in the agency and FLAG this to homeland Security agencies and such.
Only by going through credit report agencies and flag fraud on CREDIT use only PARTIAL illegal use of a personal number such as ssi be stopped. There must be an avenue to put flags everywhere. FTC ID THEFT office also confirmed that credit fraud flagging is the only avenue for reporting to ssi. need comprehensive changes to deter fraud.
Vonda V.
Hi Sandra, thanks for using our blog. 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.
Matthew J.
Hi What does it mean when they mail your identification back with no letter.I applied for ss card replacement. Thanks
Vonda V.
Hi Matthew. Please contact your local Social Security office. Look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
Robert M.
Hi need replacement ssn card. Can’t create an online account something with my identity validation. So have to print out form and send my real driver license only?
Thanks Rob