Social Security Card - U.S. Born Citizen

Lost your Social Security card, or was it stolen? If so, Social Security will replace it for free, but 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.

In order to get a replacement card you must complete an Application(Form SS-5) and have documents that prove you are a U.S. citizen.

You will also need to prove you’re identity. This information must then be taken to your local S.S.office.

Citizenship:

Only certain documents as proof of U.S. citizenship will be accepted. These include a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. consular report of birth, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.

Identity:

SS will accept only certain documents as proof of identity. An acceptable document showing your identity 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 you’re: 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, SS 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.

One document may be used for two purposes. For example, you’re U.S. passport could be used as a proof of both citizenship and identity.

Note: All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Social Security cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.

Your card will be mailed to you as soon as all of your information has been accepted and you’re documents verified.

The 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.