How to Obtain a Duplicate Social Security Card

If your social security card is lost, stolen or damaged, you will need to replace it as soon as possible. The best method for avoiding having to get a replacement card is to put it away with your important papers and never carry it with you. This will also help protect you from potential identity theft from someone stealing your wallet or purse with your card in it. If you know you have to have it for a special need, such as for a job or a government benefit, then you can dig it out and carry it with you that one time only. If you do need to obtain a duplicate social security card, this article will explain how you do that.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Your social security number or other identifying information
• Application for Social Security Card (SS-5)

1. IF YOUR ORIGINAL SOCIAL SECURITY CARD WAS LOST OR STOLEN AND YOU ARE A U.S. BORN CITIZEN, YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS.
   * Application for Social Security Card (SS-5) (see "Resources" section for a link to the SSA, where you can get the form)
   * Proof of U.S. citizenship, if not already provided previously (This will be certified birth certificate or your U.S. passport.)
   * Identification in the form of a current driver's license, nondriver state issued identification card, or U.S. Passport. (Alternate forms of valid ID are allowable if you cannot get one of the preferred forms within 10 days.)

2. IF YOUR ORIGINAL SOCIAL SECURITY CARD WAS LOST OR STOLEN AND YOU ARE A FOREIGN BORN U.S. CITIZEN, YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS.
   * Application for Social Security Card (SS-5) (see "Resources" section for a link to the SSA, where you can get the form)
   * Proof of U.S. citizenship, if not already provided previously (This will be certified birth certificate, U.S. passport, U.S. Consular Report of Birth, Certificate of Naturalization, or Certificate of Citizenship.)
   * Identification in the form of a current driver's license, nondriver state issued identification card, or U.S. Passport. (Alternate forms of valid ID are allowable if you cannot get one of the preferred forms within 10 days.)

3. IF YOUR ORIGINAL SOCIAL SECURITY CARD WAS LOST OR STOLEN AND YOU ARE A NONCITIZEN WITH PERMISSION TO WORK IN THE U.S., YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS.
   * Application for Social Security Card (SS-5) (see "Resources" section for a link to the SSA, where you can get the form)
   *Proof of immigration status, work eligibility, and identity.
   *Immigration status is proved by showing your I-94 plus your I-20 if you are here on an F-1 or M-1 visa, and if you are a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor you must produce your DS-2019.
   *Work status is shown for most workers by showing you I-94.
   *Identity can be proved by producing a current DHS document (Form I-551, I-94, or work permit card from DHS)

Tips & Warnings

• You can mail, or take in-person, your application and supporting documents to your local Social Security Office. You cannot obtain a duplicate social security card online.
• All supporting documents must be originals or certified copies of originals.
• You are only allowed to replace your social security card 3 times in a year, and 10 times in a lifetime. These number limits do not apply to changes in the form of corrections, such as name changes.

Resources

• Social Security Administrations site for information and form for getting a replacement SS card

[femwriter]

on 8/30/2009 This is a unique article and thanks for sharing this one! 5*

[jenng]

on 8/8/2009 Great article on How to Obtain a Duplicate Social Security Card 5*

[lildutchgirl56]

on 8/7/2009 Fortunately for me I've never had to replace mine, but my son has a couple of time. This is a very informative article. Thanksp

[sonni57]

on 8/6/2009 Good info on getting another social security card I hope to never lose mine.

[godfather25]

on 8/6/2009 Good article on obtaining a duplicate social security card.