Q & A
I lost my Social Security card. Now what?
Complete Question: I lost my wallet, which had my Social Security card in it. It’s been a real annoyance. Besides the obvious issues that come with losing a wallet, when I went to get a new driver’s license, they wanted a Social Security card. Not to mention, I’m in the middle of trying to get a new job. Of course, they want a copy of my driver’s license and Social Security card for the I-9. I’m Hispanic, and even though I was born here, people are starting to think I’m an illegal alien for not having identification. How do I get a new Social Security card so I can end this mess?
Answer: You probably have already figured out that you cannot apply online for a Social Security card; you will need to apply in person at your local Social Security office, or mail your documents and applications in to your local office. Under your particular circumstances, you may want to go in person. Receiving an original, corrected, or replacement card is free; however, you are limited to three replacement cards per year and 10 in a lifetime, with the exception of corrections (i.e. name changes).
The key part here is documentation, especially since your wallet was stolen. All documents must be originals or certified copies – not photocopies. You will need proof of citizenship. A passport and birth certificate are acceptable. If you do not have a birth certificate, you can get it from the hospital you were born in. If that is not possible, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will also accept a religious record made before the age of 5 that shows your date of birth, or a different hospital record of your birth. They do want to see a picture ID, such as a driver’s license, state-issued ID or passport because they are official government documents that also show your picture; however, from what you stated, you may not have these (unless you have a passport). If you are unable to get one of these, they will require other documents such as an employee identification card, school identification card, health insurance (but not Medicare) card, or U.S. military identification card. You may realize that these requirements are very similar to the I-9 documentation requirements that you mentioned. I would recommend getting as much proof of identification as you can if you do not have a passport and/or birth certificate. Too much can never hurt. If you do not have a passport, birth certificate, or driver’s license, you may want to call ahead and see if the documentation you do have is enough before you spend time at the Social Security office. You could call your local office directly, or call their toll-free number at 800-772-1213.
Note that the above information is for original and replacement Social Security cards for U.S. born citizens. Foreign-born U.S. citizens and non-citizens have different requirements. And remember, all documentation presented needs to be in original form and not expired.
Once your application has been processed and your documentation has been verified, it will take approximately 10 business days for you to receive a new one in the mail.