Form SS-5 - How to Replace a Lost Social Security Card

Sep 19, 2026

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Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card) is used to request an original Social Security number, replace a lost card, or correct information on an existing card. The filing process requires submitting a completed application to the Social Security Administration at no charge. Replacement or corrected requests must include evidence of identity, and sometimes proof of current U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status, using originals or certified copies. Uncertified/notarized photocopies are not accepted.

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CategoryForms

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Pages2

Reading Time1 min

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How do I replace a lost Social Security card?

What Form is Needed?

Where Do I Get the Form?

What Evidence Must I Submit?

Where Do I Send the Form?

When Will I Receive the New Card?

# How do I replace a lost Social Security card? To replace a Social Security card you need to submit a completed application form tothe Social Security Administration.There is no charge for this service. # What Form is Needed? Form SS-5,Application for a Social Security Card,is the appropriate form to requesteither an original Social Security number,a replacement card,or to correct yourcard.The form includes instructions for completion and discusses the documents thatmust be submitted with it in more detail than below. # Where Do I Get the Form? You can access Form SS-5 bv clickina here(pdf).You may also request Form SS-5 by calling our toll-free number,1-800-772-1213. # What Evidence Must I Submit? Applicants for replacement or corrected cards must present evidence to establishtheir identity and,sometimes,their current United States citizenship or lawful alienstatus.When requesting a Social Security number card,the documents presented asevidence must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency.Wecannot accept uncertified or notarized photocopies as evidence since we cannotverify their authenticity.We will return your original documents. We need a document identifying you as the person shown on our records.Thedocument must be of recent issuance so that we can determine your continuedexistence.Generally,we prefer to see a document with a photograph.However,wecan generally accept a non-photo identity document if it has enough information toidentify you(e.g.,your name as well as your age,date of birth,or parents'names). If you were born outside of the U.S,we also need proof of your U.S.citizenship orlawful alien status. Some documents that we can accept as proof of identity are: Driver's license;Marriage or divorce record;Military records;Employer ID card;Adoption record;Insurance policy;Passport;Health Insurance card(not a Medicarecard);School ID card If you are applying to replace a card for a child,you willneed to submit a documentidentifying your child,as well as a document identifying you since you will beapplying for the card on your child's behalf.The identity document must be of recentissuance so that we can determine your child's and your continued existence.Generally,we prefer to see a document with a photograph.However,we can usuallyaccept a non-photo identity document if it has enough information to identify you(e.g.,your name as well as your age,date of birth,or parents'names). For children,some examples of evidence of identity include: ● an immunization record, ·school record(report card,ID card,etc.), ·religious record(e.g.,baptismal certificate). # Where Do I Send the Form? Form SS-5 should be mailed or taken in person to your local office.There are toomany offices to list them here(about 1,400),but you can find your local office byclicking here or by calling 1-800-772-1213,or by looking in the blue pages of yourphone book under "US Government". # When Will I Receive the New Card? Generally,a replacement SSN card will be mailed within one week if you applied inperson and two weeks if you applied by mail.If you have not received your SocialSecurity Number card within these time frames,you should contact the SocialSecurity office where you filed the application and they will investigate to see why itis being delayed.However,Social Security is responding to the terrorist attacks ofSeptember 11,2001,and to the problem of identity fraud by changing the waySocial Security numbers and cards are issued in some cases.This may delay themailing of your new card by up to 3 months.

FAQs

Which form is needed to replace a lost Social Security card?

Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, is used to request a replacement card. It can also be used to request an original Social Security number or correct information.

What evidence must I submit when replacing or correcting a card?

You must submit evidence to establish your identity, and sometimes proof of current U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status. Evidence must be original documents or certified copies; uncertified or notarized photocopies are not accepted.

How long will it take to receive the new replacement card?

A replacement SSN card is generally mailed within one week if you apply in person, or two weeks if you apply by mail. If it is not received within those time frames, you should contact the Social Security office that received your application.

Sep 19, 2026

Upload by Noah