How to Get a Replacement Social Security Card in Illinois

Keep your Social Security card in a fireproof safe.

Obtaining a replacement Social Security card in Illinois does not cost anything, but does require some documentation. If your card was lost or damaged, you can apply for a replacement card by completing a simple form and bringing specified documentation to a local office. The documentation necessary is determined by your citizenship status. If your Social Security card was stolen, be sure to report it to the police department.

Instructions

1. Apply for a replacement Social Security card by completing Form SS-5. The form can be downloaded on the Social Security Administration website (see References). The form must be completed in black or blue ink.

2. Gather the information to complete the application. Necessary information to complete Form SS-5 are: current legal name; former legal name; Social Security number; place of birth; date of birth; citizenship status; sex; and mother and father's names. If you are completing the form for a minor, you also need to have the mother and father's Social Security numbers if possible. If you don't have one of the parent's Social Security numbers you can check "Unknown."

3. Supply documents needed along with the application. If you are an adult, U.S. citizen, you must provide proof of identity and citizenship, along with Form SS-5. To prove your identity, use your State of Illinois driver's license, State of Illinois identification card or U.S. passport. You can provide a birth certificate, Certificate of Citizenship, U.S. consular report of birth, U.S. passport or Certificate of Naturalization to prove you are a U.S. citizen.

4. Gather documents needed for your child or other minor. If you are applying for a replacement card for a minor that is a U.S. citizen, you must present proof of citizenship and identification. Proof of citizenship is the same for children as adults. Depending on the minor's age, you may not have a photo identification card to use as proof of identity. In this case, you can bring your child to the Social Security office with you to apply for the card. Make sure to also bring their adoption decree (if applicable), doctor or hospital record, religious record, daycare or school record or school identification card. You must also bring proof of your identification in the form of a State of Illinois driver's license, State of Illinois identification card, or U.S. passport.

5. Determine your immigration status and gather necessary documents. Non-citizens who have been issued a Social Security number to work in the U.S. need to bring Form SS-5 with proof of immigration status, work eligibility and identification. Bring your I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Immigrants with F-1 or M-1 status should bring their 1-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status with the employment page signed by your school and proof of employment in the form of a pay stub or letter from your employer. For students in Illinois who are authorized to work off-campus, you will need to bring your Employment Authorization Document.

   If you have J-1 or J-2 status, you should bring your DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. J-1 students also need to bring a letter from the organization that sponsored their entry to the United States. The letter should include the organization letterhead, statement of authorization to work and a signature. Your I-551, I-94 or work permit from the Department of Homeland security can serve as your proof of identification. The requirements for proof of identity for a non-citizen child are the same as for a child that is a citizen.

6. Mail Form SS-5 and original or certified documents or bring them to your local Social Security office. Whether you mail or bring in your documents in, you must use original or certified documents. An example of a certified document is a copy of a birth certificate from your County Clerk. A notarized copy of a document, such as a passport, is not acceptable. If you mail original documents, such as your passport or birth certificate, they will be returned to you when your Social Security card is mailed. Most people are not comfortable mailing these important documents and prefer to visit a local office. To find your local Social Security Administration office you can visit the Social Security Administration website (see References), type in your Illinois zip code, and the location will be provided. The most populated area of Illinois, the Chicago area, has 25 locations; 12 in the city of Chicago and 13 in the near suburbs. In Illinois, you are not required to visit the Social Security office in the town where you live; you can visit the office that is most convenient for you and your schedule.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your Social Security card in a safe place and do not carry it with you.

• Call the Social Security office you plan to visit to check the hours of operation.

• There is a limit to the number of replacement Social Security cards you can receive; three per year and 10 per lifetime. For an exception to this rule, you must prove that not receiving a replacement card will cause undue hardship.

References

• Social Security Administration: Get a New or Replacement Card
• Social Security Administration: Local Office Search