Report your missing card to Social Security, then to the credit bureaus

If your Social Security card is lost or stolen, contact the Social Security Administration to report it. You can do this by phone, in person, or by mail. Reporting it does not automatically replace the card, but it creates a record that the card is missing. At the same time, contact the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This step protects you if someone tries to use your Social Security number to open accounts or take out loans in your name.

You do not need to wait for a replacement card to arrive before taking these steps. In fact, reporting the loss quickly is the best way to prevent identity theft. The Social Security Administration will not charge you to replace a lost or stolen card.

Key Takeaways

  • Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to report a missing card, or visit your local Social Security office in person.
  • Contact all three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — to place a fraud alert on your credit file within the same day if possible.
  • You will need to show identification when you request a replacement card, either in person or by mail with a certified copy of your ID.
  • A replacement card usually arrives within two to four weeks, though timing varies by location and how you submit your request.
  • If you suspect identity theft beyond a missing card, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov.

How to contact Social Security to report the missing card

The fastest way is to call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. The line is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Have your name, date of birth, and Social Security number ready. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.

You can also visit a local Social Security office in person. Find the office nearest you at ssa.gov/locator. Bring a photo ID and proof of citizenship or legal residency. If you go in person, you can often request a replacement card on the same day. You can also request a replacement card by mail — the Social Security Administration will send you a form to fill out and return with copies of your identification documents.

What you need to request a replacement card

Social Security requires proof of identity and proof of citizenship or legal residency. For identity, bring an original or certified copy of a document like a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. For citizenship or residency, bring an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or permanent resident card.

If you are requesting a replacement by mail, you will need to send certified copies of these documents, not originals. You can get certified copies from the agency that issued the document — your state's vital records office for a birth certificate, for example, or your state's Department of Motor Vehicles for a driver's license. The Social Security Administration will return your documents to you after they verify them.

Placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus

A fraud alert tells credit bureaus and lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. Call or go online to place the alert with one bureau, and that bureau will notify the other two. The alert lasts one year and is free.

Equifax: 1-800-685-1111 or equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services

Experian: 1-888-397-3742 or experian.com/fraud

TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289 or transunion.com/fraud-alerts

If you believe someone has already used your Social Security number to open accounts or take out loans, you can place an extended fraud alert that lasts seven years, or you can freeze your credit file entirely. A credit freeze prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name without your permission. You can place a freeze with each bureau for free.

When to file an identity theft report

If you notice unauthorized accounts, charges, or loans in your name, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. The FTC will create an identity theft report that you can share with creditors, banks, and the police. You can also file a police report in your local jurisdiction, though this is not required to dispute fraudulent accounts.

Keep records of all calls you make, letters you send, and accounts you dispute. Most creditors and banks have 30 to 60 days to investigate and respond to disputes. If you find fraudulent accounts, contact the creditor or bank directly to report the fraud and ask them to close the account.

How long it takes to get a replacement card

A replacement card usually arrives within two to four weeks if you request it in person or by mail. Some Social Security offices can issue a card on the spot, but this depends on your location and whether the office has the equipment to do so. Call your local office ahead of time to ask if they can issue a card the same day.

While you wait for your replacement card, you can still work and use your Social Security number for other purposes. Your Social Security number itself does not change — only the card is replaced. If your employer or bank needs proof of your number, you can show them a tax return, W-2, or bank statement that displays your Social Security number.

What to do if you cannot find your card later

If you find your original card after you have reported it missing and requested a replacement, you can destroy the original card by cutting it in half. Do not try to return it to Social Security — they do not accept returned cards. Once your replacement arrives, use that card going forward.

If you lose multiple cards over time, Social Security may limit how many replacements you can receive. There is a lifetime limit of three replacement cards per year and ten replacement cards total, unless you can show that the loss is due to identity theft or a specific medical condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone use my Social Security number if they have my card?

Yes, which is why reporting it quickly matters. A stolen card makes it easier for someone to open credit accounts, take out loans, or commit tax fraud in your name. Reporting the loss and placing a fraud alert with the credit bureaus limits the damage. If you suspect the card was stolen rather than lost, mention that when you report it to Social Security.

Do I need a replacement card to work?

No. Your Social Security number is what matters for employment, not the physical card. Your employer can verify your number using an I-9 form and other identification. You can work while waiting for a replacement card to arrive.

What if I do not have a birth certificate or passport?

You can use other documents to prove citizenship or residency, such as a naturalization certificate, permanent resident card, or adoption papers. Ask your local Social Security office which documents they will accept. If you do not have any of these, the office can tell you how to obtain them.

Will replacing my card change my Social Security number?

No. Your Social Security number stays the same for life. Only the card is replaced. The new card will have the same number printed on it.

What if my card was stolen along with other documents?

Report the theft to the police and file an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov. This creates an official record that can help you dispute fraudulent accounts later. Also contact your bank and credit card companies to let them know your information may have been compromised.