How to Replace a Lost Social Security Card

Your Social Security card is an important document that you should keep in a safe place, but if you happen to lose it, it can be replaced. In order to replace a lost social security card, you'll need to mail an application to the Social Security Administration or visit the local Social Security office in your area. It's free to replace the card.

Here's how to replace a lost Social Security Card:

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Mail the Replacement Social Security Card Application or Present it at Your Local Social Security Office
   
   Visit the Social Security Administration website and print out an application (see Resources section below for a link to the application). You can mail the application, but you'll have to mail original documents that prove your U.S. citizenship or lawful immigration status, along with proof of identity. Most people are unwilling to risk losing these documents in the mail. Instead, it's better to go in person. Use the Social Security office locator to find the office nearest you (see Resources below).

2. Present Proof of Your Identity
   
   If you are an adult with a previously issued social security number, you will only need to prove your identity in order to replace a lost Social Security card. Proof of identity can be in the form of a state-issued driver's license or ID card, or a U.S. passport. If you do not have these available, the SSA can accept other documents as proof of identity, at its sole discretion. Alternate documents include a military or employee ID card, or a Certificate of Naturalization.

3. To Replace a Child's Card: Present Proof of Your Identity, Relationship to the Child, and Your Child's Identity and Age
   
   If you need to replace a lost Social Security card for a minor child, you will have to provide proof of your relationship to the child and your identity, as well as documentation showing the child's date of birth and identity. For children without a passport or state ID, the options for proving identity are somewhat limited. The Social Security office will accept original, signed documents from a medical provider, a school ID or school records, or a certified adoption decree. The child's birth certificate will not suffice to prove identity, but it can be used to show your child's birth date and your authorization to sign on your child's behalf.

4. Sign the Card and Put in a Place of Safekeeping
   
   Adults age 18 and older should sign the card once it's receive in the mail about 10-14 days after the application is completed. Children under 18 should not sign the card unless and until they get a job and must provide it to an employer.
   
   Keep the card in a place of safekeeping, since the law only allows you to replace a lost Social Security card a total of ten times in your lifetime, and no more than three times in a given year. Legal name changes, changes to restrictive conditions on the card (for lawful immigrants) do not count toward the limit, and the SSA may, at its discretion, waive this limit for good cause. For example, if you have lost your social security card three times in a year, or ten times in your lifetime, but must provide the original card in order to receive certain benefits, the administration may issue a replacement card. However, it's better to be safe than sorry and keep the card in a safe place.

Resources

• Application to Replace a Lost Social Security Card
• Social Security Office Locator