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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Nelson V.
I am a US citizen and my SS was stolen overseas. I didn’t realize I had it in my wallet and couldn’t file a police report. I’m worried they might use the card for some illegal immigration purposes. What can I do to prevent it from being used, or what should I be monitoring if there’s nothing I can do?
V.V.
Hi Nelson, 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).
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page for details on what you can do if you think someone is using your Social Security number.
Lyn
Hi, I have been trying to ask my mom for my social security card back but she claims that its lost and I can’t get a job without my social security card. And to top it off, I don’t even remember the number of it. I need a new one ASAP.
Terry C.
Try to get the year I was born corrected but no help. They keep saying I need to get a new card.Why cant they just change mine year on the data. I have mine Birth Certified.
V.V.
Hi Terry, thanks for using our blog. To correct your date of birth on your Social Security record, you will need to apply for a corrected Social Security card. Visit our Learn What Documents You Need for details on the documentation requirements. Under the heading, “Type of Card,” select “Corrected” for a list of the documents needed. You will need to provide evidence of your age (for example, a U.S. public birth certificate) and current documentation for evidence of identity. For complete instructions, go to the Social Security Number and Card web page.
Joshua M.
I lost my social security card do not know my number because I put my number in they say it’s somebody else so how do I get my Social Security card I do not have a driver’s license I can’t get an ID card please help me
Aaron
How do I obtain a replacement social security card for my child under 18 yrs old? It is needed to get his permit.
V.V.
Thank you for using our blog, Aaron. 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. Use our Social Security Office Locator to find your local office address. We hope this helps.
Danielle
Hi, my father is co-signed on a car loan with me and the bank is requiring he provide a new social security card as his is old and torn and difficult to read. He cannot request one online as it reads his name differently than his ID. Will he need to bring his birth certificate in for his new card or do any other forms suffice?
V.V.
Hi Danielle, thanks for using our blog. It sounds like your father needs to talk to a Social Security representative. He should call his 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.
E N.
I need a replacement card. I HAVE to have a physical copy for my employer. Our local SSA office is requiring I MAIL-IN my actual drivers license to obtain a replacement card. As I drive daily, this is NOT an option. Ive attempted to create an account of SSA but I get an error when it attempts to create my account. I’ve called the ssa helpdesk 17 times in 5 hours and after I am on hold for about 15 mins each time, the line disconnects. Is there anything else I can do to ACTUALLY get help?
V.V.
Hi Nicole, thanks for using our blog. 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. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details on getting help with your Social Security number. We hope this helps!
Rita C.
My wallet was stolen with my social my I’d driver’s license birth certificate my debit and credit cards and cash I have nothing what can I do to get my social
V.V.
Hi Rita, 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!
Broviticus
in this day and age, simply remembering your social security number is not enough. people in businesses require you to have the physical card on hand when you are somewhere that needs to verify your identity. I’ve remembered mine because the Army required me to, but any time that a social security number was required, it was also a requirement to have the physical card on hand. What do I do if I can’t get a physical copy of my ssn? I have a passport, can I use that in place of my ssn card?
V.V.
Hi Andy, 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!
Amy R.
That’s not true. I can’t get my drivers license or an ID card without my ss card. And I can’t get my ss card without an ID.
Hassan B.
I need a social security card because I lost my wallet
Gia E.
Hello. I lost all my documents. I am a legal resident and I only have a digital copy of my Resident Card at the moment. I need to get a new Driver’s Licence as well as a new resident card and a new SSN card, but I am not even sure where to start with no documents whatsoever. Where should I start first? Can you offer any resources was to what to do or where to go first?
V.V.
Hi Gia, thank you for your question. You may be able to request a replacement Social Security card online. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details on getting help with your Social Security number. We hope this helps!
Amy r.
I’ve been trying to get a ss card but it says I need an ID. But can’t get an ID without my ss card. I feel like I’m a nobody cause I can’t get help from anybody
V.V.
Hi Amy, thank you for your question. You may be able to request your replacement Social Security card online. Check out our Social Security and Coronavirus web page for details on getting help with your Social Security number. We hope this helps!
Hassan B.
I need a new social security card so I can get an ID
V.V.
Hi Hassan, 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!