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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Isaac O.
Lost my social security card and we as gonna apply for an id before hand, but cant now. I dont even know my ssn, please help
Vonda
Hi Isaac, 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. 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. We hope this helps!
Destinee R.
Hi i wanted to know how i can get back into my. Online account cuz it got blocked when i tried to go back in i have lost my wallet with my social and my ID in it and im stuck i havent been able to speak to nobody at the local office or the national number either i dont know what to do .
Susan
Hi, Destinee, thanks for reading our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on what you can do if you’re having difficulties with your my Social Security account. We hope this helps!
Joseph L.
Can I go get a id card without my ss card,I live in oklahoma City
Vonda
Hi Joseph, 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!
Cory k.
Ive most my socai security card and my I’d so how would I go about obtaining those in Alabama, I’m 19 and don’t have a source of credit
Buffy
Hi I know my daughters as number however her card was lost during s as move n cannot get her permit of a job until she has it to show.I donot understand why a adult can get there’s replaced but can’t for there child yet Covid has it where we can’t get copy’s of s as my type of I’d anywhere in a good timely manner.I feel this is very unfair n a lot families as ours 2disabled parents need help n our child csnt even get a copy online.I think very unfair n putting people in terrible bind.
Wasei
My relative recently received her permanent resident card (green card) few month ago, but she never received her Social Security card. How can she find out her Social Security number? Also, if the card was lost in the mail, can she ask for a replacement by mail without knowing the number?
Vonda
We continue to process Social Security Numbers and issue cards for certain lawful immigrants. We call these processes Enumeration at Entry (EAE) and Enumeration beyond Entry (EBE).
If these automated processes are not available to you, we may schedule an in-office appointment for a new card request in certain situations. Appointment availability is based on available staff and office operating status. Please call your local office to see if an in-office appointment is necessary and possible. To contact your local office, please look for the local office telephone number at Social Security Office Locator under “Social Security Office Information” for the office you select. The toll-free “Office” number is your local office.
Wende B.
My son lost his SS car. I know it can be replaced, but am concerned about someone using his number. What should i do to prevent that?
Vonda
Hi Wende, thanks for using our blog. 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. We hope this helps!
Cory k.
I’ve lost both my I’d and social security card so how would I go about obtaining both in Alabama I’m 19 and I don’t have a kind a credit, please if u can respond to my email
Sherri G.
There are some people that do not know how to use computer or have access to a computer. How are they to get SS cards replaced. Some people have agencies that work with them and they try to assist them staying in the community and we have trouble getting replacement cards for these people. I understand why the offices are closed to the public, but I don’t think that everything was thought through completely. How are we to get replacement cards when the person does not have a My account and is not able to set one up? The card is needed for some of our people to get housing so this is a problem that we need help with.
Vonda
Hi Sherri, thanks for using our blog. Getting a replacement card online is not the only option. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details on getting help with your Social Security number. We hope this helps!
Masia
Can I request a replacement card for my minor child online?
Vonda
Thank you for using our blog, Masia. That is not something that you can do online. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page for information on how to replace a Social Security card for a child. To learn more on the process and what documents you and your child will need to get a card, please visit our Learn what documents you will need to get a Social Security Card web page. If you do not want to mail in 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.
Martin V.
My son needs to open a bank checking account but he can’t without photo ID which he does not have. Pennsylvania where we live won’t issue ID without a social security card which he has lost. SSA requires photo ID to replace the card so he is stuck. SSS suggests using other photo ID but that appears to be impossible for him to get. Would it work for the two of us to go into a SSA office with my photo ID and SS card and his birth certificate showing I am his father and with family photographs showing the two of us together We know his SS Number.
Vonda
Hi Martin, thank you for your question. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details on getting help with your Social Security number. You can call 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. We hope this helps!