Your Social Security card is a vital document; you should do everything you can to keep it safe. However, accidents sometimes still happen. So, what happens if you lose your Social Security card? There are some things you need to do to keep yourself safe after losing your card, but thankfully, getting a Social Security replacement card is usually quick and easy.
As long as you know the process for getting a replacement card, you can usually have your new card within a couple of weeks. Keep reading as we tell you exactly what to do if you lose your card.
What To Do After You Lose Your Social Security Card
Most people understand how important it is to safeguard your Social Security number. That number plays a critical role in your life from an identity and a financial standpoint. If your SSN falls into the wrong hands, a thief could substantially damage your finances using your SSN and other information.
An identity thief could use your information to open credit cards, bank accounts, loans, and other fraudulent services in your name. You could spend months or even years trying to clean up the mess.
Place a Fraud Alert
The first thing you need to do after losing your Social Security card is to place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your Social Security number. This will make it much more difficult for thieves to open accounts in your name. Next, you should get a copy of your credit report and closely examine it for accuracy. If you notice any suspicious items, then work with the credit bureaus to have any fraudulent items removed.
Credit Monitoring
Go ahead and sign up for a credit monitoring service as well. This will immediately alert you to any changes in your credit report, and many of these services will assist in removing fraudulent items or even in insuring against financial damage.
Once you have done all that, you can request your new Social Security card. For most people, this process is quick and easy.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- You should place a fraud alert and begin credit monitoring if your Social Security card is lost. After that, you should request a replacement card.
- Replacing a lost Social Security card can be done online, in person, or by mail.
- There is technically no such thing as a same-day Social Security card replacement; however, you can get a receipt from your local office that acts like a temporary card.
How To Replace A Lost Social Security Card
Are you wondering how to get a new Social Security card? The quickest and easiest way to replace a lost card is by submitting your request to the Social Security Administration online. When requesting your replacement Social Security card online, you can expect to receive your new card in 10-14 days.
First, you must register for a my Social Security account. This account will also provide access to essential details about your Social Security benefits, even if you are not close to retirement age yet. Once you have a my Social Security account created, you can request your replacement card online through your account as long as you qualify for online replacements.
Online Replacement Qualifications
You will need a driver’s license or identification card from one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia. ID cards issued by a U.S. territory will not work when requesting an online card replacement.
Next, you must be a U.S. citizen age 18 or older with a U.S. mailing address. Mailing addresses abroad will not allow you to request your card online. You also cannot change your Social Security card, like a name or any other changes. Your card must be replaced as an exact duplicate of your lost card.
Finally, you must reside in one state qualifying for online card replacements. Nearly every state in the U.S. is eligible now, but not entirely. If you reside in Alaska, Oklahoma, New Hampshire, or West Virginia, then you cannot request your replacement online.
In Person or By Mail
If you reside in one of these four states or do not meet the other eligibility requirements, you must complete Form SS-5 and mail it to the SSA or submit it in person at your local Social Security office.
When completing this application, you must provide some documentation proving your identity. Suppose you have not previously proved your U.S. citizenship status. In that case, you must provide a birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, U.S. passport, or other acceptable document proving your status as a U.S. citizen.
Next, you will need a document proving your identity, such as a U.S. driver’s license, health insurance card (not a Medicare card), military ID card, or some other document showing your legal name, date of birth, and recent photo.
You must submit original documents with your application, as photocopies are not accepted. In some cases, certified copies may be accepted, but they must be certified by the issuing agency.
Most people choose to submit their applications and documentation in person. Since copies of documents cannot be used, they do not want to mail their originals.
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Same-Day Social Security Card Replacement
So, is there a way to get a replacement card on the same day? The answer is no, but you might be able to get something that comes close. Getting a same-day replacement will require a trip to your local Social Security office. You cannot get a same-day replacement online or by mailing your application.
Office Visit
Most local offices accept walk-ins, but scheduling an appointment in advance is best. Call the SSA toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to do so. When visiting your local Social Security office to submit your application, bring your original documents; copies will not be accepted.
Receipt of Replacement
Once verified and approved, the Social Security representative can give you a receipt showing that your replacement card has been requested.
While they cannot issue a replacement card on the same day, this receipt will be a temporary Social Security card until you receive your new card. You should know, however, that not all agencies will accept this receipt instead of your Social Security card.
Cost Of Replacement Social Security Card
Thankfully, there is no cost to request a replacement card. Your new card will be sent to you free of charge. However, there are limits to the number of replacement cards that you can request.
- You are limited to three replacement requests per year and ten requests over your lifetime.
This is another reason it is so important to keep your card safe and protected. If you exceed the limit of requests, then you could find yourself in a bad situation if you do not have a Social Security card and cannot request a new one.
Card Expiration
Many people wonder, “Do Social Security cards expire?” The answer is no. Since your card never expires, you should only need a replacement if your card is lost, stolen, or damaged. Make sure you protect your card so that you do not hit the limit on replacement requests.
TIP
Social Security cards never expire, but if they are lost or stolen, you’ll need to request a replacement. You can only order three replacement cards annually.
Tips For Protecting Your SSN & Card
To help avoid identity theft, you should do several things to protect your SSN and card.
Keep Card Secure
First, you should not carry your card with you all the time. Only carry it when necessary. If you need to show your card to a new employer for I-9 verification, then you should carry it that day and then return it to a safe place. Keep the card at home in a safe place, and consider locking it inside a safe to keep it protected.
Be Mindful of Scams
You should also be very aware of Social Security scams and do not provide your Social Security number to anyone unless you are confident of their identity. Never provide your SSN to someone who calls and requests it over the phone or via text.
Review Credit Report
Keep a close eye on your credit report and watch for suspicious activity. If you protect your card and stay vigilant, you should have nothing to worry about regarding your Social Security number.
The Bottom Line
The Social Security Administration has dramatically expanded its online services in recent years, and the quickest way to replace a lost Social Security card is to request one online.
Unfortunately, if you do not qualify for an online replacement, you must mail your application or submit it in person. Bring original documents to your appointment, and be prepared to wait a couple of weeks to receive your new card in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people can request a new Social Security card online if they make no changes to the card. A handful of states are not eligible for online replacements, so you cannot request your card online if you reside in one of those states. In that case, you must mail your application or submit it in person at your local SSA office.
Do not carry your card with you at all times. You should leave it at home in a safe place unless you have a specific reason for carrying it with you, such as starting a new job. Keep your card in a plastic sleeve to prevent damage, and consider locking it inside a safe or other protected location so that thieves cannot gain easy access to your card and information.
Many people wonder how to get a replacement Social Security card. The best way to get a new Social Security card after losing your old one is by requesting a new one online. You can use a my Social Security account to quickly request a new card, which should arrive in the mail in about 10 to 14 days.
If you cannot request your card online, the process becomes more cumbersome. You must complete the paper application and submit it in person or mail it to the Social Security Administration. You will also need to provide some additional documentation, and it will take a little longer for your new card to arrive in the mail.
You can find a Social Security Administration office near you by using our SSA office locator and searching for your closest location.
