What Form SSA-44 Does
Form SSA-44 is the official document you file with Social Security when your card has been lost, stolen, or destroyed. It tells Social Security to flag your account and issue you a replacement card. You do not need this form if your card is simply worn out or if you want to change your name — those use different processes — but if your card is gone, SSA-44 is the standard route.
The form itself is short: it asks for your name, Social Security number, date of birth, and the reason your card is missing. You sign it and send it to your local Social Security office or file it online through your my Social Security account. Social Security then verifies your identity, updates their records, and mails you a new card to the address on file.
A replacement card is free. Social Security does not charge for lost or stolen cards, and you can request as many as you need over your lifetime, though they do watch for patterns of repeated requests.
Key Takeaways
- Form SSA-44 is filed when your Social Security card is lost, stolen, or destroyed, and it triggers a free replacement card to be mailed to you.
- You can file the form online through your my Social Security account, by mail to your local Social Security office, or in person at an office.
- You will need to prove your identity and citizenship or legal residency status, which Social Security verifies before sending the replacement.
- A replacement card typically arrives within two to four weeks, though timing varies by location and how you file.
- If your card was stolen, you should also monitor your credit and consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus.
How to File Form SSA-44
The fastest way to file is through your my Social Security account online. Log in, go to the "Replacement Documents" section, and select "Request a replacement Social Security card." You will answer questions about why your card is missing, confirm your current address, and submit. Social Security will review your request and mail the card to the address you provide.
If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can create one at ssa.gov using your email, phone number, and a few pieces of personal information. The account takes a few minutes to set up and lets you manage your Social Security record from home.
If you prefer to file by mail, download Form SSA-44 from ssa.gov, fill it out, and mail it to your local Social Security office. You can find your office address on the Social Security website by entering your zip code. By mail, processing typically takes longer — usually three to four weeks instead of two to three.
You can also walk into your local Social Security office with the form and file in person. Bring your completed SSA-44 and proof of identity. In-person filing sometimes speeds up the process, though wait times at offices vary widely by location.
What Identity Documents You Need
Social Security requires proof of identity and proof of citizenship or legal residency. For identity, they accept a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. If you do not have one of these, you can use a combination of documents like a birth certificate plus a utility bill or bank statement.
For citizenship or legal residency, bring your birth certificate, passport, or immigration documents. If you are filing online through my Social Security, you have already proven your identity to set up the account, so Social Security may not ask for additional documents. If you are filing by mail or in person, include copies of your proof documents with the form.
Do not send original documents by mail — Social Security will not return them. Make copies instead, or bring originals to an office and let them photocopy them there.
Timeline for Getting Your Replacement Card
If you file online through my Social Security, expect your new card within two to three weeks. If you file by mail, add one to two weeks for postal delivery and processing time, so three to four weeks total. In-person filing at an office is sometimes faster, but it depends on how busy your local office is.
Social Security will mail the card to the address on file in your account. If you have moved recently and updated your address with Social Security, the card goes to your new address. If you have not updated your address, the card goes to your old one, so update it before you file if you have moved.
You can check the status of your replacement card request through your my Social Security account once you have filed. The account will show whether Social Security has received your request, is processing it, or has mailed the card.
If Your Card Was Stolen
A stolen card is a different concern than a lost one. While you file SSA-44 to get a replacement, you should also take steps to protect yourself from identity theft. Your Social Security number is valuable to criminals, and a stolen card means someone has your number and knows what it looks like.
Contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit file. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You can place an alert for free by calling one bureau; they are required to notify the other two.
You may also want to check your credit report for accounts you did not open. You can view your report free once a year at annualcreditreport.com. If you see fraudulent accounts, report them to the credit bureau and the creditor.
Replacing a Card That Is Worn or Damaged
If your card is worn, faded, or damaged but you still have it, you do not use Form SSA-44. Instead, you file Form SSA-5, which is for cards that are no longer readable or usable. The process is similar — you can file online, by mail, or in person — but the form is different.
The distinction matters because Social Security tracks how many times you request a replacement. If you have requested many cards in a short time, they may ask questions or delay processing. Using the correct form helps avoid confusion.
Changing Your Name on Your Social Security Card
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or court order, you need Form SSA-5 and a document proving the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. You do not use SSA-44 for a name change, even if your old card is also lost.
If your card is lost and you have also changed your name, you can file both requests together. Bring the name-change document along with your identity and citizenship documents, and Social Security will issue a new card with your new name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a replacement card the same day I file?
No. Social Security mails replacement cards; they do not issue them on the spot. Even if you file in person at an office, you will receive the card by mail within two to four weeks. Some offices may offer a temporary document, but the official card comes by mail.
What if I do not have a my Social Security account and do not want to create one?
You can file by mail or in person instead. Both routes work fine; they just take longer than online filing. Mail your completed SSA-44 to your local Social Security office, or bring it in person with your identity and citizenship documents.
Do I need to report a stolen Social Security card to the police?
You do not have to, but you can. Filing a police report creates a record of the theft, which can help if someone uses your number fraudulently. If you suspect identity theft, a police report is useful to have when you contact creditors or credit bureaus.
How many times can I request a replacement card?
Social Security allows you to request a replacement card as many times as you need, but they watch for patterns. If you request many cards in a short time, they may investigate or ask for an explanation. Legitimate reasons — a lost card, a stolen card, a damaged card — are not a problem.
What if my address on file with Social Security is wrong?
Update your address before you file for a replacement card. You can update it through your my Social Security account, by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local office. If you file before updating your address, the new card will go to the old address on file.