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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James
I lost my 15 year old son’s SSN card. Does he need to come to the SS office with me to apply for a replacement card, or can I go without him but with all the required information?
Ann C.
Hello, James. You may apply for a replacement Social Security Card (in-person or by mail) on your child’s behalf. However, you will need to present documents proving your identity, his identity and citizenship status, and evidence of your relationship to, or responsibility for, him. You can use a birth certificate to prove your child’s age or citizenship. But you cannot use it as proof of identity. For more information about the required documents, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
Drew
I went to the DMV to get a state-issued ID and they tell me I need an original Social Security card, not just know the number or a copy (which I have). In order for me to get a replacement Social Security card, I need a state-issued ID…. How am I suppose to get a state-issued ID or a Social Security card without the other?
Do not say:
Employee ID -> I do not have one, nor do any jobs around me use them…
Passport -> Need an ID to get one
Military ID -> Nope
School ID -> NOPE
Ann C.
Hi, Drew. If you do not have one of these specific documents or you cannot get a replacement for one of them within 10 days, we will ask to see other documents. Any documents submitted must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph. For more information about what other documents we may be able to use in lieu of a Driver’s license and/or State ID, please visit our page, “Learn what documents you need to get a Social Security Card.”
Drew
Hello Ann, I do not have any of the documents listed on the site that will be accepted in lieu of a driver’s license or state ID, as you need an ID to get any of them and in order to get an ID, I need a SS card. It’s a circle, I need a way to get my SS card without having something that requires me having a SS card to get..
Aly
Hi, there, and thank you for providing this service to the public.
As you know, the application form, SS-5 requires one to supply their birth name in addition to their current name, which ‘outs’ (reveals LGBTQ status) transgender women like me.
I applied for a replacement SS card today at a field office, and was trans-baited (pressured/coerced into inappropriate discussion of my transgender status) by the employee processing my application. I’m concerned this employee may interfere with me getting my card, modify my SS record to contain incorrect or disparaging information, or behave inappropriately to other transgender women seeking services at that field office. I’m also afraid to make an issue of it for fear of retaliation or lack of safe, satisfactory resolution. I did bring someone with me for safety (discrimination is common against transgender women so this is always a good idea) and they also witnessed it, but I have no ‘hard’ evidence like printouts. I also don’t want to provoke further hostility from SSA employees at that field office.
What recourse do I have if an employee deliberately introduces an error into my Numident or denies me a card? How can I protect myself against possible retaliation should I file a formal complaint?
Ray F.
Hi Aly. Our policy requires us to conduct our programs and activities in a way that no person is discriminated against on the basis of race; color; national origin (including limited English proficiency); religion; sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity); disability; age; or parental status. We are sorry to hear you did not receive the level of customer service you expected and we can understand your frustration. You can submit feedback by visiting our “Contact Social Security” page. Once there, select the “Email Us” link, where you can complete and submit a compliment, complaint, or suggestion. We hope this helps.
Karissa
Hi I was so stress because my sd card my passport and green card was stolen and I have to go back on the.boat on Jan 4 2017 I talk to my employer and they said I only have to show is driver liecense and ss but I don’t have my ssn they got stolen what should I do I need it as soon as possible my employer said if I got ss receipt I can go back to work but I can’t show nothing can someone help because I can’t afford my permenent resident card plzzz all I need is ss
Ari m.
Hey how’s it going my name is ari I recently lost my ss card and applied for a new one I sent my ID in the mail with an application my ss card came in 3 weeks later but my ID hasn’t arrive I thought the ssa agency would have sent both documents together and if that’s the case then where’s my ID and if not then how long with my ID arrive at my house ? I need help please
Ray F.
Hi Ari. Generally, we send your replacement Social Security card and return the documents you submitted in separate mailings. You may have to return to the office where you filed your application for a follow-up. On your receipt there should be a local phone number for you to call and speak to someone about the status of your documents. Thank you.
Jasmine
Hello. I’m currently in a frustrating situation where my social security card and my state ID and every form of current picture ID I have been lost on public transit. I’m incredibly worried if someone has it and I was wondering if I could get a new SSN without a photo ID, or a state ID without a SSN.
Ann C.
Hi, Jasmine. We prefer a government issued document with your picture, as proof of identity to replace your Social Security card. If you do not have one or you cannot get one within a reasonable amount of time, we may be able to use other documents such as:
•Employee identification card;
•School identification card;
•Health insurance card; or
•U.S. military identification card.
Any documents you submit, must be an original or certified copy, current (not expired) and show your name, and other identifying information (date of birth or age).
Also, realize that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. To see if you’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card Please visit our “New or Replacement Social Security Number and Card” web page. Also, we recommend you read our publication “Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number”. We hope this helps!
Jaynae
Please Help,
I just recently got a new SSN in the mail. but i realized i left the receipt in a rental car. Do i need to call the Federal Trade Commission. I’m honestly worried because i cant remember if my SSN was on the Receipt issued to me at the office.
Ray F.
A receipt is just a verification that you applied for a Social Security card. In addition to your name and address, the receipt we provide when you apply for a replacement Social Security card, includes the local address and phone number of the Social Security office or card center that processed your application. It does not include your Social Security number. Generally, reports and investigations of identity theft are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. You can find more information in their website: http://www.idtheft.gov. Or you can call them at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). We hope this helps.
David
I live abroad and need a copy of my social security card. I have my passport. Can it be mailed to me here? How long will it take?
Ray F.
Hi David. Please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance or visit our International Programs web page for more information.
Margaret
Hi. I have a card that carries ‘for work only with dhs authorization’. I have a green card now, do I need to change my card so it doesn’t say that anymore?
Ray F.
Hi Margaret. Yes, you need to update your status with us when you become a permanent resident or a U.S. citizen. Your Social Security number will remain the same, and we will issue a replacement card that only shows your name and Social Security number. To get a replacement card, you must provide us with your current documents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) showing your new U.S. immigration status. We suggest you visit the nearest Social Security office or card center and apply in person. Thanks!
realitycheckgirl
“First off if you’ve lost your SS card you NEVER have to produce a birth certificate, NEVER. You NEVER show a passport to prove citizenship. When you received your card the first time these issues were taken care of.”
NOT TRUE. I went to the SS office today for a REPLACEMENT SS CARD due to losing my son’s card and they most certainly needed a certified Birth Certificate to prove age and citizenship and additional documentation to prove identity. Since it was for my son who is a minor–they requested either certified school records, a school ID card (and he needed to be present) or certified medical records.
This taught us a valuable lesson–GET PASSPORTS.
Our family has expired passports that we never bothered renewing. Since the social security administration accepts passport for age, citizenship and identity–this is the much easier way to go.
Passports can also be used to obtain drivers licenses and basically prove citizenship anywhere you go–employers, insurance companies, banks etc.