Report a Lost Social Security Card

Social Security numbers are required on nearly every official form you will fill out, from employment applications to cell phone contracts. If your card or number have been lost or stolen, you may become the victim of identity theft. Report the card lost immediately and request a new one.

Steps

Reporting and Replacing a Lost Social Security Card for Yourself

  1. Go to the Social Security Administration website at www.ssa.gov. Click on the “Numbers & Cards” tab on the top of the page and select “Social Security Number & Card.”[1]
  2. Click on “Fill out & Print” an application. Print the Application for a Social Security Card. This is the same form you fill out to apply for a Social Security card the first time. Use 8.5”x11” (or A4) paper to print the form.[2]
    • You can also get the necessary form from your local Social Security office. You can locate your local office at their website.
  3. Use a black or blue ink pen to fill in the form. Read all of the instructions on page 3 of the application before completing the form.
    • Use the full 4-digit year (XXXX) to state your year of birth.
    • You are not required to provide race and ethnicity information to obtain a Social Security card.
    • You must sign the form yourself if you are 18 or older and are physically and mentally able to read and fill in the form. If you are not able to sign the form, you may have a legal guardian, parent, or close relative sign for you. If you cannot sign your name, you may sign the form with an “X” marking and have two other people sign the form as witnesses.
  4. Collect the necessary identity documents. You must bring documents that establish your identity with you when you apply for your replacement card. Documents issued in the United States are preferred. These documents must be unexpired. They should show your legal name, provide biographical information, and/or physical information (e.g., photograph or physical description).[3]
    • Preferred proof of identity documents include:
      • a valid U.S. driver’s license
      • a U.S. passport
      • a U.S. state-issued non-driver identity card
    • If you don’t have one of these documents, or can’t get a replacement within 10 working days, the Social Security office may accept other documents, such as:
      • a U.S. military identity card
      • employee identity card
      • health insurance or Medicaid card
      • school identity card
    • Birth certificates, Social Security card stubs, and Social Security records are not accepted as proof of identity.
  5. Collect the necessary citizenship or immigration documents. If you were born outside of the United States, you will need to bring additional documents with you to show your citizenship or immigration status.[4]
    • If you are a U.S. citizen but were born outside the United States, you will need to show evidence of your U.S. citizenship. Acceptable documents include:[3]
      • A U.S. passport
      • A Consular report of birth
      • A Certificate of Citizenship
      • A Certificate of Naturalization
    • If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must show proof of immigration status or work eligibility. Bring your original (not copies of) your visa or green card. You should also bring your foreign passport.
  6. Apply for a replacement card. You can apply for your replacement card one of two ways. You can apply in person at a local Social Security office. You can find your local office online at the Social Security website. Bring the completed application and required documents with you.[5]
    • You can also mail your original documents and your completed application to your local Social Security office. They will return the documents to you when they have completed the application process.
    • You may also call Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 to locate your nearest office.
  7. Wait to receive the replacement Social Security card by mail. In most cases, you will receive your replacement card by mail within 7-14 days. If you applied in a Social Security office, they will tell you how long you can expect to wait to receive your card.

Replacing a Lost Social Security Card for Your Child (Under 18)

  1. Go to the Social Security Administration website. It can be found at www.ssa.gov. Click on the “Numbers & Cards” tab on the top of the page and select “Social Security Number & Card.”[1]
  2. Click on “Fill out & Print” an application. Print the Application for a Social Security Card.This is the same form you fill out to apply for a Social Security card the first time. Use 8.5”x11” (or A4) paper to print the form.[2]
    • You can also get the necessary form from your local Social Security office. You can locate your local office at their website.
  3. Use a black or blue ink pen to complete the form. Read all of the instructions on page 3 of the application before completing the form.[3]
    • A parent (natural or adoptive) or legal guardian should sign the form for persons under 18.
    • If you can, provide the Social Security numbers for both parents on the form. If the number is not known, or a number was never assigned, check the “unknown” box on the form.
    • Check the appropriate box in section 18 of the form (i.e., Natural or Adoptive Parent, Legal Guardian, Other). If you check “other” you must specify the nature of your relationship to the applicant.
  4. Be prepared to show proof of your child’s identity and your identity. Documents that are accepted as proof of your identity are the same as those mentioned in the previous section. Documents that are accepted as proof of your child’s identity include one of the following originals:[6]
    • U.S. passport (preferred)
    • Adoption decree
    • Doctor, clinic, or hospital record
    • Religious record (e.g., baptismal record)
    • Daycare or school record
    • School identification card.
    • You cannot use a birth certificate to prove identity. You must use a document that shows the child’s name, identifying information, and, preferably, a recent photograph. Non-photo identity documents should have at least the child’s name, age, date of birth, and parents’ names.[6]
  5. Collect other required original documents. If your child is not a citizen of the United States, or is a U.S. citizen but was born in another country, you will need to show proof of your child’s citizenship or immigration status. U.S. citizens who were born in the United States do not require additional documentation.
    • If your child is a foreign-born U.S. citizen, you must provide one of the following documents as proof of the child’s citizenship:
      • Consular report of birth (FS-240, CRBA)
      • Certification of Report of Birth (DS-1350)
      • U.S. passport
      • Certificate of Citizenship (N-560/N-561)
    • For a child who is not a U.S. citizen, you must provide your child’s current immigration document. These include:[7][6]
      • Form I-551 (Lawful Permanent Resident Card)
      • I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
      • I-766 (Employment Authorization Document)
      • Admission stamp in an unexpired foreign passport
    • If your child is an exchange visitor (J-1 or J-2), show the child’s DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status).[8]
    • Foreign students (F-1 or M-1) should show the I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).[9]
  6. Apply for a replacement card. You can apply for your replacement card one of two ways. You can apply in person at a local Social Security office. You can find your local office online at the Social Security website. Bring the completed application and required documents with you.[5]
    • You can also mail your original documents and your completed application to your local Social Security office. They will return the documents to you when they have completed the application process.
    • You may also call Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 to locate your nearest office.
  7. Wait to receive the replacement Social Security card by mail. In most cases, you will receive your replacement card by mail within 7-14 days. If you applied in a Social Security office, they will tell you how long you can expect to wait to receive your card.

Report Identity Theft

  1. Notify credit agencies. If you believe that that SSN was stolen and you are the victim of identity theft you need to place fraud alerts with your credit agencies right away. Contact a credit reporting company (Equifax, Experian or TransUnion) and ask them to place a fraud alert on your credit file. The company will notify the other credit agencies so that each one has the same information.[10]
    • The fraud alert will stay in place for 90 days, and can be renewed after that time.
    • You should also request your free credit reports to see whether fraudulent credit card use has affected your credit.
  2. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC Consumer Complaint website is https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov. Make sure the “s” is in the web address. If your Social Security number has been compromised, contact the FTC first. The FTC collects information that can lead to an investigation or prosecution but does not resolve individual cases.[11]
  3. Select the “Identity Theft” tab at the top of the column on the right. After you have done so, a list of options will appear to the left. These include “I am a victim of identity theft” and “Someone tried to use my personal info.” Click on the appropriate option. The Complaint Assistant website will walk you through the appropriate process for your situation.
  4. Answer the questions and provide information. The complaint process contains several sections. These will vary depending on the type of complaint you are filing.
    • For example, if you have lost your purse or wallet, you can file a complaint that will record the loss. This may help you protect against later identity theft.
    • The “Getting Started” section is designed to make sure you selected the appropriate option and specifically determine your current situation. Single questions will appear with multiple choice answer options. Choose the option that best fits your situation.
  5. Provide as much information as you can. The more information you provide, the more likely it is that your complaint will be useful in preventing or stopping identity theft.[12]
    • The sections of the complaint will ask you to fill in information about your own lost or stolen information, anything you may know of the suspected identity thief, and any financial losses you have incurred as a result.
  6. Call the police to file a report. While using a SSN is federal crime, if you believe that someone in your local community community used your SSN (especially if you know who they are) you should contact local police authorities. Call your police department and ask for the division that deals with fraud to file a report.
    • For theft that took place in a different state, contact the FBI to file a report.

Protecting Your Social Security Number

  1. Keep your Social Security number or documents that show it in a safe place. Never carry your Social Security number card—memorize your Social Security number to reduce the risk of losing the card.[13]
    • Shred documents that contain your Social Security number when they are no longer needed. Store documents you must keep, such as tax returns, in a safe or secure file cabinet.
  2. Ask questions when asked for your SSN. If others ask you for your SSN, ask them the following questions. If the other party cannot answer these questions, do not give them your SSN.[14]
    • Why is my number needed?
    • How will my number be used?
    • What will happen if I refuse to give my number?
    • Will you share my Social Security number with others?
    • May I see your privacy policy?
    • How will my Social Security number be stored?
  3. Share your SSN only when absolutely necessary. Only the following entities are likely to require that you provide your social security number: If you have questions about why they have asked for your SSN, ask. You can also request to use an alternate identifier, such as your driver’s license number.[15][16]
    • Employers
    • Federal and State Tax Authorities such as the Internal Revenue Services or Franchise Tax Board
    • Banks, lenders and insurers
    • Other government-funded programs like workers’ compensation or unemployment insurance programs
    • Schools and medical providers
  4. Recognize scams. Many people may try to “phish,” or fraudulently obtain, your SSN by phone or email. The best way to avoid these scams is to never open or respond to emails from people you do not know or recognize. Do not respond to emails requesting personal or sensitive information, such as SSNs. Reputable businesses and agencies will not ask for this information in an email.[17]
    • Unsolicited calls from businesses or agencies asking for your SSN or other sensitive information are usually scams. If you did not contact the company or individual who is calling you, do not give your information.
    • Emails from U.S. government offices, such as the IRS or the Social Security Administration, will come from an email address ending in .gov. These emails should always direct you to .gov web addresses. Do not click on links in emails claiming to be “official” that do not take you to a .gov web address.[17]
    • Phone calls or emails claiming to be from the IRS are always scams. These phishers will often threaten you with deportation, fines, or arrest if you do not provide your SSN and other information. Alternatively, they may say they need your SSN to provide a refund. This is not true. Never provide this information.[18]
    • Report all phishing attempts claiming to be from the IRS to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration via phone at 1-800-366-4484. You can also report IRS phishing online at the Treasury Department’s website.
    • You can also report these scams to the FTC using the same process outlined for reporting identity theft. The FTC links have options for scams.
  5. Monitor your credit report by checking it annually. You are entitled to a free annual credit report. The only Federally authorized website for free credit reports is annualcreditreport.com.[19][20]
    • If you believe that your identity was stolen you should immediately order free credit reports.
    • Beware of other websites that claim to offer “free” credit reports, scores, or monitoring. In many cases, these websites only offer a free trial, and charge hefty subscription fees to your credit card to continue to service. These programs are often difficult to cancel.[19]
  6. Keep your personal computer secure. Use reputable anti-virus software programs (such as McAfee, Norton, and AVG) and install anti-malware software. Keep these programs updated. Update security patches for your software and operating systems. Make sure your anti-virus and firewall programs are active before accessing financial or business websites that may require you to share your SSN.
    • It is a good idea to password-protect your computer if you are using it in a public location, such as an office, school, or coffee shop. Lock your computer if you step away.
  7. Use only secure internet connections to share sensitive information. If you need to share your Social Security number online for financial or business purposes, protect your identity! Look for websites that begin with https -- the “s” indicates that the website is secure. Online banks and retailers should always have HTTPS protocols in place.
    • Use a private, password-protected wireless internet network when you share sensitive data such as your SSN. Public wireless internet networks, even those protected with passwords such as coffee shop networks, are open to everyone. These public networks make it easy for cybercriminals to access your sensitive data. If you have to use a public connection make sure that you delete the history and cookies on the browser and quit the program once you finish.
    • The IRS or Social Security office will never email you to ask for personal information.[20] Do not give out your SSN over email.
  8. Do not use your SSN as a password or pin code. Passwords and pin codes are easily stolen. Never use your SSN or other personal information, such as a birthdate or mother’s maiden name, as a password or pin code.[21]
    • Change passwords on your computer frequently. Do not re-use passwords.
  9. Avoid storing electronic documents containing your SSN. Storing documents that contain your SSN on your computer, phone, or cloud storage could expose them to theft.[21]
    • If you must store these files, encrypt them or protect them with a password.
  10. Consider investing in an identity protection service. You can file a fraud alert with your credit reporting company (TransUnion, Equifax, or Experian) for free.[22] You may also wish to consider investing in an identity theft protection service. These services charge fees and can help you expedite the process of preventing, reporting, and stopping identity theft. They may also offer services such as reimbursement and legal representation.[22]

Tips

  • Memorize your Social Security number instead of carrying the card to reduce the risk of losing the replacement card.
  • Replacing a Social Security card is free. However, the Social Security Administration has set a limit of 3 replacement cards in a single year or 10 cards total.[4] Cards issued as a result of legal name changes or changes to your work authorization do not count towards this limit.

Warnings

  • To obtain a replacement Social Security card, photocopies or notarized copies are not accepted in place of original documents.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 http://www.ssa.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 http://www.socialsecurity.gov/forms/ss-5.pdf
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10002.pdf
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm
  7. ↑ https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html;jsessionid=SNnWJt1pvprFp4DyTB01S4w5fHSBhpwszc233t5JyxGr8Qslyh2j!2141787111
  8. ↑ http://j1visa.state.gov/participants/how-to-apply/about-ds-2019/
  9. ↑ https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/2013/01/what-is-the-form-i-20
  10. ↑ https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0275-place-fraud-alert
  11. ↑ https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/#crnt
  12. ↑ https://www.ftc.gov/faq/consumer-protection/submit-consumer-complaint-ftc
  13. ↑ http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10064.pdf
  14. ↑ http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10064.pdf
  15. ↑ http://www.bankrate.com/finance/smart-spending/tips-protect-your-social-security-number-2.aspx
  16. ↑ http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2013/07/01/when-to-give-out-your-social-security-number-and-how-to-protect-it
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 http://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/internetphishingalert.html
  18. ↑ http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Identity-Protection-Tips
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0155-free-credit-reports
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Identity-Protection-Tips
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 http://www.tomsguide.com/us/how-to-protect-social-security-number,news-18741.html
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0275-place-fraud-alert
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