Replacement Social Security Card for a U.S.-Born Citizen

You can replace your Social Security card for free if it is lost or stolen. However, you may not need to get a replacement card. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. You are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime. Legal name changes and other exceptions do not count toward these limits. For example, changes in immigration status that require card updates may not count toward these limits. Also, you may not be affected by these limits if you can prove you need the card to prevent a significant hardship.

To get a replacement card:

• Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5); and
• Show us documents proving:
  • U.S. citizenship (if you have not already established your citizenship with us); and
  • Identity.
• Take your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office.

Citizenship

We can accept only certain documents as proof of U.S. citizenship. These include a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. consular report of birth, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.

Identity

We can accept only certain documents as proof of identity. An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph. For example, as proof of identity Social Security must see your:

• U.S. driver’s license;
• State-issued nondriver identification card; or
• U.S. passport.

If you do not have one of these specific documents or you cannot get a replacement for one of them within 10 days, we will ask to see other documents, including:

• Employee ID card;
• School ID card;
• Health insurance card (not a Medicare card); or
• U.S. military ID card.

We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use your U.S. passport as proof of both citizenship and identity.

All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.

We will mail your card as soon as we have all of your information and have verified your documents. Your replacement card will have the same name and number as your previous card.

Keep your Social Security card in a safe place. It is an important document. Do not carry it with you.