Replacing your lost or stolen Social Security card is something you may not really need or want to do. But if you do, here is how to do it. Show Why You Might Not Want to Replace the Card According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), it is far more important that you simply know your Social Security number than it is to actually carry your card with you. Guard Against Identity Theft First Before you even start thinking about replacing your lost or stolen Social Security card, you need to take steps to protect yourself from
identity theft. Step 1Place a fraud alert on your credit file to prevent identity thieves from using your Social Security number to open credit accounts in your name or access your bank accounts. To place a fraud alert, simply call the toll-free fraud number of any one of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies. You only need to contact one of the three companies. Federal law requires the company you call to contact the other two. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies are: Equifax - 1-800-525-6285 Once you place a fraud alert, you are entitled to request a free credit report from all three credit reporting companies. Step 2Review all three credit reports looking for any cases of credit accounts you did not open or charges to your accounts you did not make. Step 3Immediately close any accounts you know or think have been used or created illegally. Step 4File a report with your local police department. Most police departments now have specific identity theft reports and many have officers dedicated to investigating identity theft cases. Step 5File an identity theft complaint online with the Federal Trade Commission, or by calling them at 1-877-438-4338 (TTY 1-866-653-4261). Do Them AllNote that credit card companies may require you to take all 5 steps show above before they will forgive fraudulent charges made to your accounts. And Now Replace Your Social Security Card There is no charge for replacing a lost or stolen Social Security card, so watch out for scammers offering card replacement "services" for a fee. You can replace your own or your child's card, but you are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime. Replacing a card because of legal name changes or changes in U.S. citizenship and naturalization status does not count against
those limits.
Replacement Social Security cards cannot be applied for online. You must either take or mail the completed SS-5 application and all required documents to your local Social Security Office. To find your local Social Security service center, see the SSA's Local Office Search website. 12 or Older? Read ThisSince most Americans are now issued a Social Security number at birth, anyone aged 12 or older applying for an original Social Security number must appear in person at a Social Security office for an interview. You will be asked to produce documents proving that you do not already have a Social Security number. These documents could include school, employment or tax records showing you never had a Social Security number. Documents You Might NeedU.S. born adults (age 12 and older) will need to produce documents proving their U.S. citizenship, and identity. The SSA will only accept original or certified copies of documents. In addition, SSA will not accept receipts showing that the documents had been applied for or ordered. CitizenshipTo prove U.S. citizenship, the SSA will only accept an original or certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate, or your U.S. passport. Identity Clearly, the goal of the SSA is to prevent unscrupulous people from obtaining multiple Social Security numbers under fraudulent identities. As a result, they will only
accept certain documents to prove your identity.
Other documents that might be acceptable include:
The SSA also provides information on how to get new, replacement, or corrected Social Security cards for children, foreign-born U.S. citizens and noncitizens. Can You Get a New Social Security Number?Typically, Social Security numbers are assigned for life. In some cases, however, the Social Security Administration (SSA) might issue new numbers to persons who can prove they have a compelling and immediate need for one. The SSA may assign a new Social Security number if the applicant is being harassed, abused, or placed in grave danger when using their original Social Security number, or if they can prove that someone has stolen their number and is using it fraudulently. In general, the applicant must provide evidence that their original number is being misused, and that the misuse is causing them significant continuing harm. According to the SSA, different Social Security numbers will be assigned only if:
Applying for a New Social Security NumberPersons wishing to request a new Social Security number must apply in person at a Social Security office and complete an application. Applicants must also provide a statement explaining the reasons for needing a new number along with current, credible, third-party evidence documenting the reasons for needing a new number. Finally, applicants must provide original documents establishing:
For more information about changing your Social Security number in cases of domestic violence, see New Numbers for Domestic Violence Victims. To find an SSA office near you, visit the Social Security Office Locator or call 1-800-772-1213. No appointment is necessary. Once the SSA has accepted their application, applicants can expect a new Social Security card in 10 to 14 days. A new Social Security number is unlikely to solve all problems related to identity theft. Government agencies and some businesses may keep records under persons’ original Social Security numbers. In addition, because credit reporting companies use Social Security numbers and other personal information to identify a person’s credit file, using a new number doesn’t guarantee a fresh start. The SSA stresses that there is never a fee to apply for an original or new Social Security number or a replacement Social Security card. The application form and information about the supporting documents needed to apply are available online. The form takes just a few minutes to complete. However, some websites persist in claiming that the process is complicated, confusing, and time-consuming, and offering to do it for you—for a fee. |