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 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.
(For original or corrected Social Security Cards consider the
following resources for further assistance: RESOURCES.)
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);
U.S.
military ID card;or
Adoption
decree
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.
Cited Source:
The above statements, regulations, policies, procedures, forms,
governance, or laws, are cited from "The
U.S. Social Security Administration", "The Department of Social Security",
and/or their agencies, departments, affiliates, and/or subsidiaries. Any inaccuracies or
misstatements should be brought to our attention immediately via
the "Contact Us" link which can be found at the bottom of
each page.
