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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Alexia
Hi! I’ve lost my social security card and I’ve tried applying online but I got locked out of my account and I need help getting it unlocked help would be great! Thank you.
Vonda
Hi Alexia, thanks for using our blog. Sorry to hear you are having difficulties creating a my Social Security account. For assistance with your account, you may call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) 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.
nakiya c.
What is the address to mail form for replacement of social security card to.
Vonda
Hi Nakiya, thanks for using our blog. Use our Social Security Office Locator to obtain your local office mailing address and telephone number. We hope this helps!
T J.
I have a client that does not remember if they have a social security number. Is there a process for looking up someone’s lost SSN?
Vonda
Hi there. Your client needs to call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance or they can contact their 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.
Nicholas D.
I received my replacement card the other day after completing form and sending it along with my driver’s license via certified mail. I have yet to receive my driver’s license still. I was told it would be returned in the same manner I had sent, such as normal mail or first class certified etc.
Vonda
Hi Nicholas, thanks for using our blog. 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.
Thomas R.
I seemed to have lost my awards letter for me and my son. Is there any way to get new ones?
Vonda
Hi Thomas, 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.
Gunilla N.
Do I need to show up in person in order to get a new social security card ? What documents are necessary ?
Vonda
Hi Gunilla, thank you for your question. If you’re asking about a replacement card, you may not need one. 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!
Carmen J.
you didnt even answerthe question if we need to go i person
Carmen J.
they dont guarantee they can verify your information i got locked out for no reason. now do i need an appt for a replacement too
?
Vonda
Hi Carmen, thank you for using our blog. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details on getting help with your Social Security number and card. We hope this helps!
Fuck y.
It telling me that my information is incorrect, it not. I need my social security card. Fuck you and this system lost me a job fuck you…..
Karen T.
My husband got out his SS card for something, and now he cannot find it. We are certain that it did not leave our house. Do we need to report this or replace the card? We do plan to report to the Credit bureaus and freeze our credit reports.
Madelin c.
I lost my nov check!! What can I do?
Vonda V.
Hi Madelin, thanks for using our blog. If you need to report a missing Social Security payment, call us toll-free 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.
Gazma l.
I can’t find it