How To Get A Social Security Card Replacement
How To Request A Replacement Social Security Card. Many people wonder how to get a replacement Social Security card. As we discussed in a prior section, the quickest and easiest way to get a replacement Social Security card is by requesting one online. To do this, you will need to create a My Social Security account at www.ssa.gov. In addition
Why You Might Not Want To Replace The Card
According to the Social Security Administration , it is far more important that you simply know your Social Security number than it is to actually carry your card with you.While you may need to know your Social Security number for filling out various applications, you are rarely required to actually show anyone your Social Security card. You do not even need your card when applying for Social Security benefits. In fact, if you carry your card with you, the more likely it is to be lost or stolen, greatly increasing your risk of becoming an identity theft victim.
Replace Your Childs Social Security Card For Free Heres How
Getting a Social Security card for your child is crucial to verify your childs identity and receive certain private sector and government services. If your childs card was lost or misplaced, you can request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration free of charge.
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According to the SSA, your childs Social Security number can be used to: open a bank account for the child, buy savings bonds for the child, get them medical coverage, apply for government services and claim them as a dependent on your income tax return. The SSA gives step-by-step instructions for parents and guardians to easily order a replacement Social Security card.
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If You Are Adopting A Child
If the child you are adopting is a United States citizen, your child may have a Social Security number already. But if you are adopting domestically and your child does not have one, you can obtain an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number to claim child-related tax breaks while your child’s adoption is pending. To apply for one, complete IRS Form W-7A, Application for Taxpayer Identification Number for Pending U.S. Adoptions. The ATIN will be valid for only two years, at which point you can extend it if your child’s adoption is still not final. Once the adoption is final, you must stop using the ATIN and get a Social Security number for your child following the process described above.
If you are adopting a child from another country, you will have to wait until the adoption is final and your child has entered the United States before you can obtain a Social Security number for your child. Once that happens, you can use the process described above.
Can I Replace My Social Security Card The Same Day

Unfortunately, you cannot replace your Social Security card the same day. You can, however, visit your local Social Security office and obtain a receipt serving as proof that you have submitted your application for a new card. This receipt can be used as evidence of a temporary card in some situations. It will take anywhere from 10-14 to process your application for a new card, but the quickest way to get the replacement is through your Social Security account online.
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How To Get A Replacement Social Security Card For Your Child
May 17, 2021 · So dont expect to get a replacement card on the same day. After submitting your application, the SSA will process it. Once they have all the necessary information, theyll mail you your childs new social security card. As per the SSA website, the total processing time can take around 2 to 4 weeks.
How Can I Replace My Childs Social Security Card
To replacea SocialSecuritycardfor a child: Step 1: Gather documents proving your: Step 2: Gather documents proving your: Step 3: Complete an Application for a SocialSecuritycard. Step 4: Take or mail the completed application and documents to your local SocialSecurityoffice or your local SocialSecurityCardCenter.
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How Thieves Can Profit From Your Social Security Card
That being said, if your SS card has fallen into the wrong hands, you may be at risk of identity theft. Thieves can use your SSN to:
- Apply for credit in your name and then not pay the bills, which can damage your credit score1
- Apply for jobs
- Oklahoma
- West Virginia
If you live in any of the above states, go to the next section .
NOTE: Was your drivers license or ID card issued by a U.S. territory like American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands? If so, you cant request a new SS card online you must do it either over the phone or in person.
If you live in an eligible state, there are a few more requirements to request a new SS card online:
- You are a U.S. citizen age 18 or older.
- You have a U.S. mailing address, which includes APO, FPO, and DPO addresses.
- You arent requesting any changes to the card, just a new card.
- Your drivers license or state identification card is from one of the 50 U.S. states or Washington, D.C.
After you request a new card, you should get a replacement within 10 to 14 days.4
Us Citizen/child Replacement Social Security Card
U.S. Citizen/Child Replacement Social Security Card To get a replacement Social Security card for a child, you must show us documents proving your childs identity. You also must show us documents proving your childs age and U.S. citizenship, if they are not already in our records. You also must prove your own identity.
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Learn How To Apply For Your Child’s Social Security Number
A Social Security number is the federal government’s way of identifying your child. Your child will need a Social Security number in order for you to claim child-related tax breakssuch as the dependent exemption and the child tax crediton your income taxes. You will also need the number to add your new baby to your health insurance plan, to set up a college savings plan or bank account for your child, or to apply for government benefits that could help your little one.
Here’s how to get a Social Security number for your baby.
Requirements For A Social Security Card
You can request a Social Security card online an get your Social Security number if you meet all of the following requirements:
- Are a U.S. citizen
- Age 18 years or older
- Have a U.S. mailing address
- Are not requesting a name change or other changes in your card
- Have a drivers license or a state-issued identification card from one of the participating states. Some states dont have this service yet.
To successfully get a Social Security Card replacement you can go directly to the Social Security Administration website, visit a local SSA office or request it by mail.
You should bear in mind that you are limited to three replacement cards per calendar year and 10 during your lifetime, though there are certain exceptions.
For example, if you have legally changed your name and need a replacement card, the first social security card issued with your new legal name would not count toward the 10 card limit.
If you cannot apply for a card online, you will need to provide a few documents to demonstrate your identity.
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How To Get A Replacement Social Security Card
To get a Social Security replacement card, visit the SSAs My Social Security account website. Youll be taken through the steps of requesting a replacement card. Keep in mind that you can use this online site to request a replacement card if you:
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To apply for a replacement Social Security card, either online or via mail, you’ll need one acceptable personal identification document. By and large, your birth certificate will suffice, although the SSA will also accept the following proof of identity:
- A U.S. hospital record of your birth.
- A religious record indicating your date of birth .
- A current valid U.S. passport.
- A final adoption decree .
There are several exceptions if you cant get the needed identification documents, or dont have them at all. The SSA will accept other forms of identification that show your legal name and biographical data. Acceptable options include a U.S. military I.D. card, a U.S. Certificate of Naturalization, employee identity card, a certified copy of a medical record , a health insurance card, Medicaid card, or school identity card.
Do I Need A Physical Social Security Replacement Card

A Social Security number is what helps you get jobs and collect Social Security benefits and other government services. An SSN is essential the physical card is less so. In most cases, according to the U.S. Social Security Administration , knowing your SSN is sufficient. For example, if you want to get a Real ID to fly domestically or access certain federal facilities, an SS card isnt necessary. Rather, you could use a recent pay stub, a W-2, an SSA-1099 , or other tax documents that show your full name. Even just knowing your SSN can serve as proof, believe it or not.
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How Long Does It Take To Get A Replacement Social Security Card
Requesting an SSN card online is rather quick and straightforward.
Nevertheless, once the application has been processed, it Generally will take between 10 to 14 business days to receive a new Social Security Card, according to the SSA website,. Keep that in mind when applying for your SSN card and be sure to check all of your details before submitting the application.
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How Do I Report My Social Security Card Stolen
You should call your local law enforcement to report your card stolen. They can take a police report and begin an investigation into finding the thief. You should also notify the Social Security Administration that your card has been stolen as well as the IRS. Notifying these agencies, in addition to the credit bureaus, will flag your SSN and make it more difficult for the thief to perform fraudulent activity using your SSN.
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Replacing Your Child’s Missing Ssa Card
To replace an SSA card for a child if you do not know the child’s number will require documents proving the child’s identity and citizenship. You will also need to prove your identity and relationship to the child.
If you know the child’s social security number but have lost the card, it is simpler. In fact, you may not need to replace the card at all. Call your local SSA office if you are in doubt. The wait time for a replacement card is about ten days from the time they receive your request.
Getting A Replacement Social Security Card Online: Extra Requirements
Yes, you can request a replacement Social Security card online if you are a U.S. citizen age 18 or older with a U.S. mailing address. You must also have a driver’s license or a state-issued identification card from one of these states. If you meet those requirements, you can set up an account on the SSA site to request a replacement card.
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Order Your Birth Certificate Online And Skip The Hassle
Use our automated online portal to order your birth certificate from the comfort of your home. We take your security and personal information seriously with HIPAA compliant data storage and high level software security. Pay with your credit card online and well mail a check for you. Your birth certificate will arrive in your mailbox directly from the department of health. Want to learn more? Read more about our company and contact us if you have questions right from our website.
Why Do You Need One
A Social Security number is important because you need it to get a job, collect Social Security benefits and get some other government services. You should keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers and avoid giving it out unnecessarily. Keep in mind that in many cases, even if you lost your card, you may not need a replacement. In most cases, simply knowing your Social Security number is enough. But if you do need a replacement, we make it easy.
Note:
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How To Apply For A Replacement Social Security Card
If you lose your Social Security card, you may be able to apply for a replacement card online through the Social Security Administration website, if you meet certain requirements. Review them here. Otherwise, youll need to follow an application process that involves providing documentation and completing an application.
Here are 3 simple steps to prepare to apply for a replacement Social Security card:
Social Security Cards: Documents Required To Obtain A Social Security Number And Card Or A Replacement Card

April 2021: All local Connecticut Social Security offices will be closed to the public for in-person service unless you have an appointment. Appointments will be for specific situations where dire needs exist. To locate local site numbers and information please use the website Federal agency administers retirement, survivors, disability, and Medicare benefit provisions of the Social Security Act.
If an individual is unable to conduct business online, check the online field office locator for specific information about how to directly contact a local office in your area. The National 800 number is 1-800-772-1213 and .
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The following information was obtained from the U.S. Social Security Administrations web page at: .
To Obtain a New Social Security Number and Card you will need to provide at least two documents to prove age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or current immigration status.
The new online service allows individuals to get replacement Social Security cards through the Social Security Administration website at: www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber
To Obtain a Replacement Card, if lost or stolen, you must prove your identity and U.S. citizenship.
To prove identity: Social Security must see:
- U.S. drivers license or
- State-issued non-driver identity card or
- U.S. passport.
- Employee ID card
- Letter from doctor, with your name, address, social security number and doctors name, address, and signature
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Requesting A Social Security Card For Your Child
Children are prone to losing things and, unfortunately, to identity theft. In fact, our child identity theft research showed that 14 percent of kids have had their identities stolen, which is a concern of over 70 percent of U.S. parents. To get your child a new SS card after it has been lost or stolen, youll need documents proving:
- Your childs identity
- Your childs U.S. citizenship, or immigration status if theyre not a U.S. citizen
- Your identity
- Your custody of or relationship to the child
All of these documents must either be originals or certified copies by the issuing agency. Once youve collected all the necessary documents, complete an SS card application11 and mail it, along with the documents, to your local SSA office or card center.12 Within 10 business days from the date on the receipt, youll receive your childs new SS card.
How To Get A New Social Security Card
The easiest way to get a new Social Security Card is by applying online. In order to do so, applicants are required to provide the documents listed above.
Nevertheless, there are several ways to replace a Social Security Card:
- Online: by creating an SSA account and completing the online application for a Social Security Card replacement.
- In person: by visiting an SSA office and printing out the online application after completing it, or printing a blank SSN card application form and completing by hand.
Whether you choose to apply for a new Social Security Card online or in person, you will need to follow these simple steps:
If you do not comply with all the requirements to submit your Social Security replacement card online, you can still apply for your Social Security Card at a local SSA office and present all the required documents during your visit.
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