Most documents that we are familiar with have an expiration date. For instance, your driver’s license expires every few years, and you must renew it to keep it valid. It can also be a massive headache when you need a document for important business only to discover that it has expired. You then must get a new copy of the document, which delays the original task that you were trying to accomplish.
But what about Social Security cards? Do they expire, and if so, how long do they last? We will give you all the details about Social Security cards, including whether they expire and how to get a new one.
Do Social Security Cards Expire?
No, your Social Security card never expires. It is valid for your lifetime and has no expiration date. Your card displays your Social Security number, so it is an essential document you should always keep in a safe place.
Once you are assigned a Social Security number by the Social Security Administration (SSA), that number will stay with you for life. New identification numbers are only assigned in rare circumstances when fraud makes it impossible for a person to keep the same SSN.
Date of Issuance
If you see a date printed on your card, do not panic. This is not an expiration date. Some newer cards have a date of issuance printed below the signature line. This shows when the card was issued to you. Although your card never expires, there might be other reasons that you need to get a new card. Those reasons will be discussed in more detail in the next section. Having an old, worn card is no reason to worry about getting a new one. That old card will still be valid.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- A Social Security card never expires, and your SSN never changes unless you experience significant identity theft that can’t be resolved.
- Even though your Social Security card doesn’t expire, it may get lost or stolen and must be replaced.
- When applying for a replacement Social Security card at your local office, you must provide a completed Form SS-5, which can be obtained online.
Reasons To Obtain A New Card
So, if your Social Security card never expires, why would you ever need a new one? There are a few reasons why this might occur. First, you can request a new card if yours is lost or stolen. This is one of the most common reasons for requesting a replacement card. Perhaps your card is not lost, but it becomes illegible due to age or other wear. In this case, you would also need a replacement Social Security card.
Another common reason for getting a new card is a name change. People who get married may need a new Social Security card displaying their new name. You might also need to update your card if crucial information associated with your SSN changes. For example, if you need to update your date of birth or gender with the Social Security Administration, a new SSN card might need to be issued.
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How To Get A New Social Security Card
Many people wonder how to get a Social Security card. In many cases, a replacement card can be requested online. You can access your mySocialSecurity account online. If you have lost your card, you can quickly and easily request a Social Security card replacement through this process. You can also request new Medicare cards online now.
Office Visit
If you choose to visit your local Social Security office to complete this process, you must bring your proof of identity documents. This can be a birth certificate, driver’s license, or photo ID card. Though they do not issue temporary Social Security cards, they will provide a receipt of your request that can act as a temporary card.
Documents & Forms
Getting a new card is not difficult, but you must have all your documentation in order. Remember these tips if you need to visit your SSA office to get a new card. First, you should gather all your documentation. You will need proof of your identity. Acceptable documents include birth certificates, driver’s licenses, or state-issued ID cards. Immigration documents might also work if you are requesting your first card. Note that you will need to provide original documents. Photocopies are not acceptable.
Once you have those documents, you must complete Form SS-5, which is the actual request for the replacement card. You must include your full name as it appears on your birth certificate and the name shown on your latest Social Security card. Once you turn in your application, your new card will be mailed to you. You can expect to receive it within two to three weeks.
Changing Information
If you are changing information on your card, the process will require additional documentation, even if you are doing it online. To change your name, you will need a marriage certificate. You might also wish to update your immigration status or U.S. citizenship status. This can be extremely important since Social Security cards are often used as an identification card for work authorization when completing a Form I-9.
Limited Replacement Cards
Remember that you can only request three new cards per calendar year and ten new cards over your lifetime. So, you should not simply order a new card because you think yours looks worn—only request when you need a new card for some valid reason.
Non-US Citizens
Another thing to keep in mind is that if you are not a U.S. citizen, the SSA has special rules about obtaining a Social Security card. You must be either a green card holder, lawful permanent resident, need the card for noncitizen benefit purposes, or have work authorization in the United States. A card will not be issued to obtain a cell phone, bank account, mortgage, or other service.
TIP
Social Security cards never expire, but you’ll need to request a replacement if they are lost or stolen. You can only order three replacement cards annually and ten over your lifetime.
Tips For Protecting Your Social Security Number (SSN)
Protecting your SSN is critical to protecting your identity and finances. Identity theft is increasing every day, so you should always make sure that you protect yourself as much as possible. Not keeping your SSN safe can affect your credit score and eligibility for loans, credit cards, and other financial services.
Keep it Secure
Start by not carrying your Social Security card everywhere you go. Only bring it when needed for identification purposes like applying for Social Security benefits or as an employment authorization document. Otherwise, store it in a safe and secure place at home.
Monitor Credit Reports & Tax Returns
Next, keep an eye on your credit report. This can help ensure that you immediately catch any potential fraud and work to address it right away. You might even request a copy of your tax return records from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to ensure that no one has filed fraudulent tax returns using your information.
Review Financial Statements Regularly
Finally, ensure you regularly check your bank and other financial statements. You should immediately report and investigate any suspicious activity. Criminals often count on people not watching their records closely, so make sure that you are keeping a watchful eye on your bank accounts. Also, be aware of the many Social Security scams out there, and never share your SSN with anyone unless you can verify their identity.
The Bottom Line
Although Social Security cards never expire, there might be other reasons that cardholders need to request a new one. If you have lost your card and need to prove your identity for employment eligibility, you will need a new card.
Perhaps your name has changed due to a marriage, and your card needs to be updated. Whatever the case, requesting a new card is not difficult, but it does require some specific documentation and a trip to your local SSA office in many cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Social Security number never expires, so there is no SSN expiration date! Once your number is assigned to you, then you will keep that same number for life.
In rare cases, someone might need a new number assigned after a severe case of fraud on their SSN. Otherwise, you will keep the same number throughout your lifetime. This is why it is imperative to safeguard this number as much as possible.
Many ask, “What should I do if I lost my Social Security card?” First, if your card has been stolen, then you should report the theft to your local police.
In addition, you should monitor your credit report to ensure no suspicious activity occurs.
You will also want to go ahead and request a replacement card. The process to get a replacement can take a few weeks in some cases, so make sure that you go ahead and do that right away.
There is no maximum age for a Social Security card. Your card and number will stay with you for life. If you have never had a card or SSN before, you can still request one if you qualify – regardless of your age.
Requesting a Social Security number is not age-limited as long as you can provide the required documentation.
You can find a Social Security Administration office near you by using our SSA office locator and searching for your closest location.
