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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Chris
I am trying to get a replacement SS card but the only ID document I have is my MD driver’s license and I recently moved. When I try to use the online replacement, it informs me I can’t do this online, maybe b/c my mailing address doesn’t match the one on my license? I would mail the application but obviously don’t want to mail my driver’s license away.
Heidi S.
I am trying to get a replacement card for my father who has dementia. I am his conservator and I get all his SA checks. I need to freeze his credit because of fraud.
I don’t want to send my drivers license in the mail as proof of ID. What are my other options?
Mario H.
i have my SS card stolen …what i do
Gloria
Someone broke into my 88 year old dad’s apartment a while back and stole his social security card along with other items. He never reported it stolen because he didn’t realize it at the time. He went into the SS office a few weeks (months?) ago and was told that someone changed his birthplace and birthdate and he needed identification to have it corrected. He has been sick so has been unable to return to the office. Is there anything I can do to fix this issue for my dad? Thanks.
Sue
We are sorry to hear of your father’s situation, Gloria. To correct the date and place of birth on your father’s record, he will need to apply for a corrected Social Security card. Visit our Learn What Documents You Need for documentation requirements. Under the heading, “Type of Card,” select “Corrected” for a list of needed documents. For complete instructions, go to the Social Security Number and Card web page.
If you have additional questions regarding the process, you can contact your local Social Security office. You’ll find the phone number at the Office Locator. Our call volume and wait times are longer than normal, so please be patient. We hope this information is helpful.
jeffrey
can you use a your school transcripts as proof for a social security card if you have original birth certificate
Liz h.
My 86 year old mother in law keeps her ss card in her wallet and of course she lost her wallet. What does she do to make sure her number isn’t used and should she get another card?
Thank you!
M D.
My son’s wallet was stolen from him and it contained his SSN Card. He has never had state ID or Drivers license. I have his birth certificate but he cannot get state ID without 2 forms of ID or get a replacement SSN card without 2 forms of ID. What can be done to get his SSN card replaced?
Vanessa Q.
So I have lost my wallet which had my ID and my kids social and mines as well I only have a photo copy of my ID and I also have my birth certificate.
I wanted to know if these pictures and photo copies and my birth certificate were enough to get my replacement for me and my kids. I also have a 6 month old baby who has never received hers in the mail.
Sue
We’re sorry you’ve lost your wallet, Vanessa. Thank you for reading our blog and for your question. First, realize you may not need replacement cards for you and your children. You will rarely need to show them. Knowing the Social Security numbers is what’s important. For more information, see our Social Security and Coronavirus web page. In most states and the District of Columbia, adults can apply online for a replacement card using their my Social Security account. If you apply for replacement cards through the mail for you and your children, we must see original documents. You also can call your local office and ask that we mail you SSN printouts. You’ll find the phone number using our Office Locator. Our call volumes and wait times are longer than normal, so please be patient. To learn the status of your baby’s Social Security number and card, please check with your local office. We hope this helps.
Karrie A.
I have had my daughters friend move into our house and her parents are refusing to give her any of her paperwork. She is 18 but has no IL State ID just her high school ID and bank statement. She cannot do anything until she gets replaced. What can we do. Please help a child with parents that don’t care.
Vonda
Hi Karrie, thank you for your question. She may not need a replacement card as she will rarely need to show it. Knowing her Social Security number is what is important. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details on getting help with a Social Security number. If she cannot request a replacement card online, have her call her local office and request that we mail her 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!
Cynthia
My daughter’s social security card got lost when we moved. She said she needs it to get the job at the post office for her federal background check. Can she get a new card the same day at one of the social security offices?
Vonda
Hi Cynthia, thanks for using our blog. Have your daughter check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details on getting help with her Social Security number. If she cannot request a replacement card online, she can call her local office and request that we mail her 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 is helpful!