What You Need to Know to Replace a Lost Social Security Card
You need your Social Security number for a lot of things these days: when you start a new job, to file your tax return, and to receive Social Security benefits. So if you lose your number – or your card – it can be quite a hassle. So how do you replace a lost Social Security card?
Do You Need to Replace a Lost Social Security Card?
First of all, you may not need to replace your card if you still know (or have written down) your Social Security number. Even though you need your SSN for many things these days, you are rarely asked to provide a copy of your Social Security card. So if you know your SSN, you may not need to replace a lost Social Security card.
However, if you do need a replacement card, you’ll need to complete an Application for a Social Security Card (Form SS-5). In order to get a new card you’ll need to prove that you are a U.S. citizen and that you are who you say you are.
Information You’ll Need to Provide to Get a Replacement Social Security Card
In order to prove your U.S. citizenship, you’ll need to provide either a U.S. birth certificate, a U.S. passport, a consular report of birth or a Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.
In order to prove your identity you’ll need to provide a current U.S. driver’s license, a state-issued identification card, or a U.S. passport. Note that whichever document you provide must be current; an expired document will not suffice. If none of these documents is available, the SSA may accept an employee ID card, a school ID card, a health insurance card, or a U.S. military card.
How Many Times Can You Request a Social Security Card?
With the exception of a legal name change and a few other exceptions, you are limited to the number of replacement cards you can request.
You can only request a replacement card three times within the same year and 10 times during your life, so it’s important to keep your SS card in a safe place once you get a new one; you may not be able to replace a lost Social Security card again if you’ve already requested replacement cards in the past.
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I once had to do it and it some time but it was worth if you really need a new one. Make sure to get all your paperwork together because you will have to show everything.