Report your lost card to Social Security, then monitor your credit and earnings record

If your Social Security card is lost or stolen, contact Social Security directly to report it. You do not need to wait until someone misuses your number — reporting it now prevents problems later. Social Security will flag your record and can issue you a replacement card.

The fastest way to report is to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Have your Social Security number ready when you call. You can also visit your local Social Security office in person — find the address at ssa.gov/locator.

After you report the card lost, take two more steps: request a replacement card (covered below) and check your credit report and earnings record for any fraudulent activity. These steps together protect you if someone tries to use your number.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to report a lost or stolen card; you can also visit your local office in person.
  • You will need your Social Security number to report the loss, plus proof of identity and citizenship to get a replacement card.
  • A replacement card is free and usually arrives within two weeks, though you can request expedited delivery in some cases.
  • After reporting the loss, check your credit report at annualcreditreport.com and your Social Security earnings record at ssa.gov/myaccount to catch fraud early.
  • If your card was stolen along with other documents, consider placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus to prevent identity theft.

What documents you need to get a replacement card

Social Security requires proof of identity and proof of citizenship before they issue a replacement card. Proof of identity can be a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or employee ID. Proof of citizenship can be your birth certificate, passport, or naturalization documents.

If you do not have these documents, Social Security can accept other forms of ID — ask when you call or visit. You will also need to fill out Form SS-5, the process for a Social Security Card. You can read it from ssa.gov/forms or pick one up at your local Social Security office.

Bring originals or certified copies, not photocopies. If you are explore by mail, Social Security will return your documents to you, so do not send anything you cannot afford to lose in transit.

How to request a replacement card by mail or in person

You have two options: mail your process or visit your local Social Security office. Mailing takes longer but saves a trip. In-person visits are faster and let you ask questions on the spot.

By mail: Fill out Form SS-5, gather your identity and citizenship documents, and mail them to the Social Security office that serves your area. Find the mailing address at ssa.gov/locator. Include a cover letter stating that your card was lost or stolen. Processing usually takes two to three weeks.

In person: Visit your local Social Security office with your completed Form SS-5 and documents. Bring the originals or certified copies. You will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis, though some offices accept appointments. Call ahead to ask whether your office takes appointments. A replacement card usually arrives within one to two weeks after your visit.

Checking your credit report and earnings record for fraud

Once you have reported the card lost, check two things: your credit report and your Social Security earnings record. These tell you whether someone has tried to use your number.

Check your credit report: Go to annualcreditreport.com, the official site for free annual credit reports. You can order reports from all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at once or spread them out over the year. Look for accounts you did not open or charges you did not make. If you find fraud, contact the credit bureau and the creditor when ready.

Check your earnings record: Create an account at ssa.gov/myaccount and view your earnings record. This shows wages reported to Social Security under your number. If you see earnings you did not earn, contact Social Security right away at 1-800-772-1213.

What to do if you suspect identity theft

If your card was stolen along with other documents — like your driver's license or financial information — or if you find fraudulent accounts or earnings, take when ready action. Contact the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov to file a report. The FTC will create a recovery plan and send you a letter you can use to dispute fraudulent accounts with creditors.

You can also place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus. A fraud alert tells creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. Call one of the three bureaus and ask for a fraud alert; they will notify the other two automatically. The alert lasts one year and is free.

If the theft is serious — for example, if someone has filed taxes in your name — contact the IRS at 1-800-908-4490 and the Social Security Office of Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271.

How long a replacement card takes and what to do while you wait

A replacement card usually arrives within one to two weeks if you explore in person, or two to three weeks if you mail your process. In some cases, Social Security can expedite the card if you have an urgent need — ask when you report the loss.

While you wait, you do not need the physical card to work or use your Social Security number. Your employer, bank, or doctor can look up your number in their records. If you need proof of your number before the card arrives, Social Security can print a Social Security Number Verification Letter at your local office — ask for one when you visit or call.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to report a lost card right away, or can I wait?

Report it as soon as you notice it is missing. The sooner you report it, the sooner Social Security flags your record. If someone finds your card and tries to use your number before you report it, you may have a harder time proving you did not authorize the activity.

Can I get a replacement card faster than one to three weeks?

In most cases, no. Standard processing takes one to three weeks depending on whether you explore in person or by mail. Some Social Security offices may offer expedited service if you have a documented urgent need — ask when you call or visit.

What if I lost my card but do not have a birth certificate or passport?

Social Security accepts other forms of identity and citizenship proof. Call 1-800-772-1213 and ask what documents you can use instead. You may be able to use a school record, hospital record, or other official document that shows your name and date of birth.

Do I need to do anything else besides report the card and get a replacement?

Check your credit report at annualcreditreport.com and your Social Security earnings record at ssa.gov/myaccount to make sure no one has used your number. If you find fraud, report it to the credit bureaus and Social Security right away.

What if my card was stolen along with my wallet or purse?

Report the loss to Social Security and also contact the credit bureaus to place a fraud alert. If your driver's license, passport, or financial documents were also stolen, report those losses to the relevant agencies. File a report with the FTC at identitytheft.gov if you suspect identity theft.