How to replace Social Security Card

If you have a social security card that was lost or stolen, you can have it replaced for free. Below we list the required documents needed to request a new Social Security card for both adults and children. You also will need to fill out an application. Once you fill out the application and have the required documentations, you will then need to either mail it in or visit your local Social Security office to turn in your application in-person. You can find a location near you using our Social Security Office locator. To download the form you need to fill out when applying for a replacement social security card, click here.

Please note, all documents listed must be original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. They will not be able to accept photocopies or notarized copies. All documents must be current and not expired. They cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.

How long will it take to get a Social Security card?

They will mail your Social Security card as soon as they have all of the necessary information listed below. For Form I-765 they will issue your card as soon as the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approves your employment authorization. Generally, you will get your card within 10-14 business days (6 to 10 business days if you do it online) from the date your application is processed.

Once you do receive your replacement card please do not laminate it. Lamination prevents detection of many security features. However, you may cover the card with plastic or other removable material if it does not damage the card.

Requesting a replacement Social Security card for adults

Below is a list of original documents you need to provide when applying for a replacement social security card for adults. If you have any questions or issues about applying for a social security card, then they recommend you contact your local Social Security office for assistance.

It is free to replace your Social Security card if it was lost or stolen. 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. Also, you may not be affected by these limits if you can prove you need the card to prevent a significant hardship.

Citizenship

If you have not already established your US citizenship with them, then they need to see proof of US citizenship. They can only accept certain documents as proof of US citizenship. This includes a US birth certificate or US passport.

Identity

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

• US driver's license
• State issued non-driver identification card
• US passport

If you do not have one of these specific documents or you cannot get a replacement for one of them within 10 days, they will ask to see other documents. Any documents submitted, including the following, must be current, not expired and show your name, identifying information and preferably a recent photograph:

• Employee identification card
• School identification card
• Health insurance card, not including a Medicare card
• US military identification card

Please note, they may use one document for two purposes. For example, they may use your US passport as proof of both citizenship and identity.

Apply for a replacement Social Security card online

If you have an online Social Security account, then you apply for a replacement Social Security card online if you:

• Are a US citizen age 18 or older with a US mailing address
• Are not requesting a name change or any other change to your card
• Have a driver's license or a state issued identification card from one of the states listed below:

Requesting a replacement Social Security card for children

Below is a list of original documents you need to provide when applying for a replacement social security card for a child. If you have any questions or issues about applying for a social security card, then they recommend you contact your local Social Security office for assistance.

It is free to replace your child's Social Security card if it was lost or stolen. You are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during a lifetime. Legal name changes and other exceptions do 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.

Citizenship

If you have not already established the child's US citizenship with them, then they will need to see proof of US citizenship. They can only accept certain documents as proof of US citizenship. These include a US birth certificate or US passport. Please note, this documentation is only required if your child has not already established citizenship with them.

Identity

Your child: While you can use a birth certificate to prove age or citizenship, you cannot use it as proof of identity. Social Security needs evidence that shows the child continues to exist beyond the date of birth. They can only accept certain documents as proof of your child's identity. An acceptable document must show your child's name, identifying information and preferably a recent photograph. They generally can accept a non-photo identity document if it has enough information to identify the child. They do prefer to see the child's US passport. If that document is not available, they may accept the child's:

• State issued non-drivers identification card
• Adoption decree
• Doctor, clinic or hospital record
• Religious record
• School daycare center record
• School identification card

You: They also must see proof of your identity. An acceptable document must be current, not expired and show your name, identifying information and preferably a recent photograph. For example, as proof of identity Social Security must see your:

• US driver's license
• State issued non-driver identification card
• US passport

If you do not have one of these specific documents or you cannot get a replacement for one of them within 10 days, they will ask to see other documents. Any documents submitted, including the following, must be current, not expired and show your name, identifying information and preferably a recent photograph:

• Employee identification card
• School identification card
• Health insurance card, not including a Medicare card
• US military identification card

If you are not a US citizen, Social Security will ask to see a current DHS document. Acceptable documents include:

• I-551 Permanent Resident Card
• I-94 Arrival/Departure Record with unexpired foreign passport or admission stamp in the unexpired foreign passport
• I-766 Employment Authorization Document from DHS

Please note, they may use one document for two purposes. For example, they may use your US passport as proof of both citizenship and identity.