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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Jason M.
My social security card was stolen I need a new replacement how much would that be
Jason M.
My social security card was stolen from me can I get a replacement and what I forget I needed one for work and I go to work next Friday the Sabbath
Vonda V.
Hi Jason, 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. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details on getting help with your Social Security number. The Social Security Administration does not charge for a replacement social security card. We hope this helps!
Curtis C.
I most recently lost my social security card, and want to prevent identity theft.
Vonda V.
Hi Curtis, 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).
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on what you can do if you think someone is using your Social Security number.
Kaylee k.
I lost my ID my social security card and my passport. How do I go about getting another ID
Vonda V.
Hi Kaylee thank you for your question. For state identification questions, please contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state. As far as your Social Security card, realize you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details on getting help with your Social Security number. We hope this helps!
ELSON F.
I need to update my status on my social Security. I was a Permanent Resident now I’m a Citizen
Vonda V.
Congratulations, Elson! 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.
Mary M.
Hello,
I recently moved to Mcallen, Tx and during the move, I lost my Social Security card.
I need a new card.
Please let me know what I need to do
Vonda V.
Hi Mary, 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. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details on getting help with your Social Security number. We hope this helps!
Austin R.
Can bbn I obtain my social with just a montana drivers license and my medical marijuana card?
Rominger J.
How do I get my social security number I forgot it and I need to get my replacement card. I can’t without it. Please send it to my care giver. 2543936196
Tausha J.
Can i apply for my sons ssc even tho hes 21 and he dont know the number and neither do i
Vonda V.
Hi Tausha, thanks for using our blog. First, realize your son may not need a replacement card. He will rarely need to show it. If your son has not created a my Social Security account, encourage him to do so as he may be able to request a replacement card online. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details related to a replacement Social Security card. We hope this is helpful!
C R.
I need a replacement card, cannot use e-services.
This is a dire-need emergency for an appointment at my local office. I am unable to reach any representatives there either.
When I attempt to enter my information to sign-up or retrieve my account, it tells me that the information I entered needs to be corrected, however, I have verified my information over multiple attempts across multiple months, and I am locked-out of the account every time.
One time, I was able to have an activation code sent to me via mail (after entering incorrect outdated address which cannot receive mail), but because that address is not mine and it is unable to receive mail, the activation code could never reach me.
How can I receive a replacement social security card? I have been out of work for over 3 months due to not having my social security card and the job that I have waiting for me will not wait forever.
Once the office has received my application, how long would it likely take for my ID and my social security card to arrive?
Vonda V.
Hi CR, thanks for using our blog. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. 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.