What To Do If You Lost Your Social Security Number

Report the loss to Social Security immediately

If you have lost your Social Security card or believe someone has your number, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) directly. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) during business hours, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person — find the address at ssa.gov/locator.

When you call or visit, tell them your number may be compromised. The SSA will not cancel your number — Social Security numbers are never reissued — but they will flag your account and watch for suspicious activity. This step creates an official record that you reported the loss, which matters if someone later uses your number fraudulently.

You do not need to wait for proof of loss or a police report to contact Social Security. Report it as soon as you realize it is missing.

Key Takeaways

• Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to report your number lost or stolen; they will flag your account for monitoring.
• Social Security numbers are never reissued, so you will keep the same number even after reporting it compromised.
• File a police report if you believe someone is using your number fraudulently, and keep the report number for your records.
• Place a fraud alert with the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to make it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.
• Request a replacement Social Security card from your local SSA office once the initial report is filed.

File a police report if fraud has occurred

If you have evidence that someone is using your Social Security number — such as bills you did not open, accounts you did not create, or a credit report showing unfamiliar activity — file a report with your local police department. You can file in person or, in many jurisdictions, online through your police department's website. Keep the report number; you will need it for credit disputes and to show creditors that the fraud was reported officially.

You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportidentitytheft.ftc.gov. The FTC does not investigate individual cases, but the report creates a record you can use when disputing fraudulent accounts with creditors and credit bureaus.

Place a fraud alert with credit bureaus

Contact the three major credit reporting bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and request a fraud alert. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. You only need to contact one bureau; by law, that bureau must notify the other two.

Call Equifax at 1-800-525-6285, Experian at 1-888-397-3742, or TransUnion at 1-800-680-7289. An initial fraud alert lasts one year. If you believe your number has been actively misused, you can request an extended fraud alert, which lasts seven years and requires the bureau to send you a free credit report.

A fraud alert is different from a credit freeze. An alert allows creditors to still open accounts but requires them to contact you first. A freeze blocks new accounts entirely. You can place a freeze at the same three bureaus if you want stronger protection, though a freeze may slow down your own applications for credit.

Check your credit report for fraudulent accounts

Request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three bureaus at annualcreditreport.com, the official site authorized by federal law. You are may have access to to one free report per bureau per year. Review each report carefully for accounts you did not open, inquiries from lenders you did not contact, or balances that are not yours.

If you find fraudulent accounts or inquiries, dispute them in writing with the credit bureau. Send a letter to the bureau's dispute address (listed on your credit report) and include a copy of your police report or FTC identity theft report. The bureau must investigate within 30 days and remove the fraudulent item if it cannot verify it is legitimate.

Check your reports again every few months for the first year after you report the loss. Fraudsters sometimes take time to use a stolen number, so new fraudulent activity may appear weeks or months later.

Request a replacement Social Security card

Visit your local Social Security office with proof of identity, proof of citizenship, and proof of age. Acceptable documents include a driver's license, passport, birth certificate, or state ID. Bring the originals or certified copies — photocopies are not accepted.

You can find your local office at ssa.gov/locator. There is no fee for a replacement card. The SSA will issue a new card with your same number printed on it. The card itself is what was lost, not the number.

If you cannot visit an office in person, some states allow you to apply by mail. Call 1-800-772-1213 to ask whether your state offers this option and to request the application form.

Monitor your financial accounts and credit going forward

Set up account alerts with your bank and credit card companies so you receive a notification whenever someone tries to access your accounts or make large purchases. Many banks and card issuers offer this for free through their online portals or mobile apps.

Consider using a credit monitoring service, though many charge a monthly fee. Free alternatives include checking your credit reports regularly through annualcreditreport.com and setting up fraud alerts with the credit bureaus (which are free).

If you receive bills, tax documents, or other mail addressed to you that you did not request, contact the sender immediately. This is often the first sign that someone is using your number.

Understand what a lost Social Security number does and does not affect

A lost Social Security number primarily affects your credit and financial accounts. Someone with your number can try to open credit cards, take out loans, or open bank accounts in your name. They can also use it to commit tax fraud or employment fraud.

A lost Social Security number does not automatically affect your current employment, your existing bank accounts, or your Social Security benefits. Your employer will not suddenly stop paying you, and your benefits will not be suspended. However, if someone uses your number to work, it could create confusion on your Social Security record, which might affect your future benefits. This is another reason to report the loss to Social Security directly.

If your number is used for employment fraud, you may see W-2 forms or tax records you did not file. Report this to the IRS immediately at irs.gov/identity-theft or by calling 1-800-908-4490.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a new Social Security number if mine is stolen?

No. Social Security numbers are never reissued or changed. The SSA will flag your account for fraud monitoring, but you will keep the same number for life. You can get a replacement card if the physical card is lost, but the number on it will be the same.

How long does it take to resolve identity theft involving my Social Security number?

It varies. Disputing fraudulent accounts with credit bureaus takes 30 days per bureau. Resolving fraudulent loans or accounts may take months or longer, depending on how many accounts were opened and how quickly you discover them. Starting the process immediately — by contacting Social Security, filing a police report, and placing fraud alerts — reduces the time and damage.

What if I lost my Social Security card but still have the number memorized?

If you have not lost the number itself, only the physical card, the risk is lower. You can still request a replacement card from your local Social Security office. However, if you are concerned the card was stolen (rather than simply lost), follow the same steps: contact Social Security, place a fraud alert with credit bureaus, and monitor your credit report.

Do I need to notify my employer if my Social Security number is lost?

You do not have to, but you may want to. If your number is stolen and someone uses it to work, your employer's payroll system might flag duplicate Social Security numbers. Notifying your employer in advance prevents confusion. Give them a copy of your police report or FTC identity theft report.

Will a fraud alert affect my ability to get a loan or credit card?

A fraud alert should not prevent you from getting credit. It requires lenders to verify your identity before opening accounts, which may add a day or two to the process, but you can still be approved. A credit freeze is more restrictive and will block new accounts unless you temporarily lift it, so use a fraud alert first unless you want maximum protection.