How to replace a lost Social Security card

You can replace a lost Social Security card by visiting your local Social Security office in person, or by mailing an application to the Social Security Administration. The in-person route is faster — you'll typically receive your replacement card in one to two weeks. By mail, it takes two to four weeks. You do not need to pay a fee for a replacement card.

Before you go or send anything, gather the documents you'll need. Social Security requires proof of citizenship (a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers), proof of identity (a driver's license, state ID, or passport), and proof of your current address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you don't have a current address document, a letter from a government agency, employer, or school will work.

You can find your local Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov and using their office locator, or by calling 1-800-772-1213. If you choose to mail your application, you'll need to complete Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) and send it with photocopies of your documents to the address listed on the form. Do not send original documents — Social Security will not return them.

Key Takeaways

  • You can replace a lost card in person at your local Social Security office (one to two weeks) or by mail (two to four weeks), and there is no fee.
  • You will need proof of citizenship, proof of identity, and proof of your current address — all documents must be originals or certified copies.
  • If you're replacing a card for a child, you'll need to bring the child's birth certificate and proof of your relationship to the child.
  • You can request a replacement card by phone by calling 1-800-772-1213, though you'll still need to submit documents in person or by mail.
  • If your card was stolen or you suspect identity theft, report it to the Social Security Administration and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.

In-person replacement at a Social Security office

Walking into your local Social Security office with your documents is the fastest way to get a replacement card. Bring originals or certified copies of your proof of citizenship, identity, and address. You do not need an appointment at most offices, but you can call ahead to ask about wait times or whether your office requires one.

When you arrive, you'll fill out Form SS-5 at the office. The staff will review your documents, make copies, and submit your application on the spot. You'll receive a receipt showing your application number. Your new card will be mailed to the address you provide, usually within one to two weeks.

Mailing your replacement application

If you cannot visit an office in person, you can mail your application. Download Form SS-5 from ssa.gov, fill it out completely, and include photocopies of your documents. Do not send originals — Social Security will not return them, and you may need the originals for other purposes.

Mail your completed form and copies to the address listed on the form itself, which varies by region. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number (if you remember it), and phone number. Processing takes two to four weeks from the date Social Security receives your application. You can track the status of your application by calling 1-800-772-1213 and providing your receipt number if you have one.

What to do if your card was stolen or you suspect fraud

If your card was lost in circumstances that suggest theft or if you suspect someone may have stolen it, report it to Social Security immediately. Call 1-800-772-1213 and explain what happened. Social Security can flag your account and monitor it for suspicious activity.

You should also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You only need to contact one bureau; they will notify the other two. You can place a fraud alert for free by visiting identitytheft.gov or calling any of the three bureaus directly. A fraud alert lasts one year and can be renewed.

If you discover that someone has used your Social Security number to open accounts or take out loans, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov. This creates an official record of the theft and gives you rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Replacing a card for a dependent child

If you're replacing a lost card for a child, you'll need to bring the child's original birth certificate and proof of your relationship to the child (your birth certificate, marriage certificate, or adoption papers). You'll also need proof of the child's current address and your proof of identity and address.

Children under 18 do not need to be present at the Social Security office, though some offices prefer it. Call your local office to ask their policy. The replacement process is the same — one to two weeks in person, two to four weeks by mail.

If you don't have the required documents

If you don't have a birth certificate or other proof of citizenship, you can still get a replacement card, but the process takes longer. You'll need to obtain the missing document first. You can order a birth certificate from the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. This typically takes one to four weeks and costs between $10 and $30, depending on the state.

If you don't have a current address document, ask your employer, bank, utility company, or school for a letter on official letterhead confirming your address. Social Security will accept this in place of a bill or lease. If you're homeless or don't have a stable address, call Social Security to discuss your options — they have procedures for people in this situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to replace a lost Social Security card?

There is no fee to replace a lost Social Security card. Social Security does not charge for replacement cards, whether you apply in person or by mail.

Can I get a temporary card while I wait for my replacement?

Social Security does not issue temporary cards. However, you can use your receipt from your application as proof that you've applied for a replacement. Some employers and banks will accept this receipt temporarily while you wait for your new card to arrive.

What if I've lost my card multiple times?

Social Security allows you to replace your card multiple times, but if you've had more than three replacements in a year or more than ten in your lifetime, you may be asked to provide additional documentation or explanation. This is a fraud prevention measure.

Do I need my Social Security number to apply for a replacement card?

It helps, but it's not required. If you don't remember your number, bring your proof of citizenship, identity, and address, and Social Security staff can look up your number using your name and date of birth. If you're applying by mail, include as much identifying information as you can.

Will my new card have a different number?

No. Your replacement card will have the same Social Security number as your original card. Social Security does not issue new numbers for replacement cards — only the physical card is replaced.