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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Jeff S.
What is the difference between a replacement social security card and an original social security card?
V.V.
Hi Jeff, thanks for using our blog. An original Social Security card application is to get a Social Security number. Your nine-digit Social Security number is your first and continuous connection with Social Security. It helps us identify and accurately record your covered wages or self-employment earnings. We also use it to monitor your record once you start getting benefits. You should keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers and avoid giving it out unnecessarily. Keep in mind that in many cases, even if you lost your card, you may not need a replacement. In most cases, simply knowing your Social Security number is enough. But if you do need a replacement, you can apply for a replacement Social Security card. Check out our Social Security Number and Card web page for more details.
Joshua E.
So I’m in a bit of a situation. I’ve lost both my Social Security card AND my certificate of birth abroad during a move (I’m a US citizen born in Mexico) and no one seems to be able to help me. I have a copy of the birth abroad certificate but that’s invalid. I NEED to have both within 6 months and everyone I’ve turned to has been a dead end. Basically they say it’s impossible to get one without the other. If anyone has any solutions I would greatly appreciate it.
V.V.
Hi Joshua, thanks 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, visit our Learn what documents you will need to get a Social Security Card web page. If 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.
Anne M.
How can we replace a card when we don’t know the number? Where else might we find it?
V.V.
Hi Anne, 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.
Marc D.
Hi my name is Marc Dolcine ,I lost my social security but I can’t remember my social number. What should I do?
V.V.
Hi Marc, 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. Visit our Social Security Number and Card page to learn how. 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. Unfortunately, we are unable to process replacement Social Security card requests by phone at this time.
Rodolfo R.
I just became us citizen and I would like to update my social Security card, what do I need to do or bring to Social Security’s office ?
V.V.
Congratulations, Rodolfo! You will need to update your Social Security record by showing us your Certificate of Naturalization and completing an application for a replacement card. All documents must be either originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. If 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.
Visit our Social Security Number and Card web page for details on requesting a new, replacement or corrected Social Security card.
Christine G.
I’m requesting information for my son, who moved to Pennsylvania from New Jersey over a year ago. He had a NJ Non-driver’s ID that just expired 9/30/2020. He lost his wallet with his Social Security card in it. He wants to get a PA State Non-Driver’s ID card, but needs a SS card to get that. He also needs a new SS card, but according to your website he needs his State photo ID in order to get the SS card – its a Catch -22. Someone told me if he fills out form SS-5 and mails it with a letter from the Rehab he lives in (long term) noting that he is a resident there and that is his address, that will suffice. I thought it would be best to take it to the local office (Northeast Philadelphia) however your call center person said not to take it there, but to mail it. Is this correct information? What is your opinion – my son needs both a State Photo ID and an SS Card.
V.V.
Hi Christine, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Social Security Number and Card web page for the details on how to apply for a replacement card along with the required documentation. Use our Social Security Office Locator to find your local office address. We hope this helps!
Christopher V.
I have gone through 15 pages filling out forms!!!
I just need to replace my SSI card for my new job. I am Blind AND CANT FIGURE OUT WHAT IM DOING WRONG. How do iI replsce my card
V.V.
Hi Christopher, thanks for using our blog. You may be able to apply online. Visit our Social Security Number and Card page to learn how. 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.
Yvonne P.
My husband and I need proof of income to find housing would like you to send to 5288 Norma Way,Livermore Ca.94550 Thomas M Lopez and Yvonne P Lopez
V.V.
Hi Yvonne, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on how to get a benefit verification letter. This letter is sometimes called a budget letter, a benefits letter, a proof of income letter or a proof of award letter. You also may be able to request a benefit verification letter by using our automated telephone service at 1-800-772-1213. You can conduct the automated services 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a proof of income letter. We hope this helps.
nery
hi
Manuchet
Hello, I want to update SSN, because I passed the US citizenship exam and got my passport, so I will inform you. Thank you. Can you advise me what to do? Thank you.