How To Get a Social Security Card Replacement

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Are you in need of a new Social Security card? It’s easy to start the process online in all but a small handful of states.

Social Security Card Replacements Are available Online

Did you lose your Social Security card years ago and want to get a replacement? The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has helped more than a million people get Social Security card replacements, according to the latest numbers.

Here’s how to join their ranks.

1. Sign Up for a mySocialSecurity Account

Before you can request a new card, you have to sign up for mySocialSecurity account, if you haven’t done so already. Don’t worry: It’s free.

To sign up, you have to be at least 18 years old. And you’ll need:

  • A valid email address
  • Your Social Security number
  • U.S. mailing address
  • A driver’s license or state-issued identification card from a participating state

Note that you can’t request any kind of change to the information; your replacement card will be identical to your old one.


TIP: You may want to read our things to know before setting up your free mySocialSecurity account article prior to getting started.


2. See if Your State Is On the List

You can request a Social Security card replacement online in a majority of states and the District of Columbia.

If your state isn’t on this list, check back periodically, because the agency says it’s working to bring all states on board.

3. Complete the Online Application

Once you determine that you’re eligible get your replacement card online, you can begin the free application process here: SSA.gov/SSNumber.

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4. Don’t Live in an Eligible Location?

If you live in one of the states where you still can’t request a Social Security card replacement online, you’ll need to do the paperwork process manually. Follow these instructions:

  1. View the document requirements here.
  2. Complete your application and print it out here.
  3. Find your local Social Security office and return the application and documents here.

Final Thought

The process to request a new Social Security card is pretty straightforward. It probably won’t be long until you can do this online regardless of where you live.

Meanwhile, we’ve got advice on the question of when to claim your Social Security here.

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