How to Get a New Social Security Card Replacement

Did you lose your Social Security card? It's important that you always have a Social Security card in your wallet or at your home. So what should you do if you've lost your card? Well, you'll need to request a replacement Social Security card from the United States Social Security administration. Follow these simple directions to getting a new Social Security card via the internet -- just be sure you know your Social Security number! It will make the process of getting a new replacement card much easier!

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• A Computer
• An Internet Connection
• Your Social Security Number
• A Mailing Address

1. VISIT THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION WEBSITE. Begin by visiting the Social Security Administration's website at SocialSecurity.gov. Once you've arrived on the website, enter "new social security card" in the search field at the top right of the page or use the link below in the "resources" section to go directly to the appropriate page.

2. COMPLETE THE PAPERWORK FOR A NEW SOCIAL SECURITY CARD. Complete a form to request a new replacement Social Security Card, officially known as Form SS-5 (see link in "resources" section below.) In order to be valid, the form must be printed on 8 1/2 x 11-inch white paper, using either black or blue ink.

3. SUBMIT YOUR PAPERWORK REQUEST FOR A NEW SOCIAL SECURITY CARD. You will need to mail or hand-deliver the Social Security card replacement form to the Social Security Administration, along with documents that prove your identity, such as a driver's license or passport. You must provide the original document; photocopies are not acceptable.

4. WAIT 4-6 WEEKS FOR A NEW SOCIAL SECURITY CARD. It will take several weeks for your new Social Security card replacement to arrive in the mail, along with your documents.

Tips & Warnings

• There is a limit on how many replacement Social Security cards you can request: 3 in one year or 10 in a lifetime.

• A new Social Security card is provided free of charge.

• If you would like to hand-deliver the documents to the nearest Social Security Administration office, call 1-800-772-1213.

Resources

• Social Security Administration Website
• Application for New Social Security Card (Form SS-5)
• Info on Getting a Social Security Number and Social Security Card