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You might not use your Social Security card every day, but you do need to use it occasionally. If you lost your card, you’ll need to request a replacement form for a Social Security card from the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can apply online by choosing the replacement tab for your lost security card. Requesting a replacement card is not eligible for all 50 states.
The service is also not available if your valid driver’s license or passport was issued by U.S. territory. This includes American Samoa, Guam, Northern Islands, Puerto Rico or U.S. Virgin Islands.
How long does it take to get a replacement card?
If you can get to your local SSA office just before opening, you can get in and out in about 15 minutes. If you can only go later in the day, the wait time could vary.
After the SSA processes your application, they’ll give you a letter indicating that a card has been requested. You can show this to anyone who requests a Social Security replacement card. Your new card will arrive within two weeks.
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For online or mail requests for a replacement card, the application process could take a little longer. However, after your application is processed, you can expect your new card within two weeks. Once you get your card be sure you keep it in a secure place, such as a safe or lockbox.
Need to replace your lost Social Security card? Apply online
Creating a free my Social Security account takes less than 10 minutes and lets you replace a lost or stolen SSN card. To apply online for a my Social Security account to receive a new security social card you need to meet these requirements:
- You’re a U.S. citizen age 18 or older with a U.S. mailing address. This includes APO, FPO, and DPO addresses.
- You aren’t requesting a name change or any other change to your card.
- You have a driver’s license or state-issued identification card from one of the many participating states or the District of Columbia.
Don’t want to apply online for a Social Security card?
If you don’t want to apply online or can’t create an online account, you can visit your local SSA office. Before visiting your Social Security office, you’ll need to collect a few original documents to provide citizenship.
Documents must be current and show your name. You must provide your certificate of citizenship. There are two separate documents and you need one from each:
Citizenship:
- A religious record made before the age of five showing your date of birth
- Hospital record of your birth
- Passport
Identity:
- Driver’s license
- State-issued nondriver identification card
- Passport
If you don’t have any identification from the category or can’t get a replacement in 10 days, your SSA office will ask to see other current original documents. It will still need to show your date of birth, your name and a recent photograph. The following cards are acceptable IDs:
- Employee card identification
- School card identification
- Health insurance card (not a Medicare card)
- Military card identification
What if my child lost or doesn’t have a Social Security card?
If your child has or can acquire a state-issued birth certificate before age 5, you need to submit it. If not, you need to provide other documents to confirm their age, such as your child’s passport.
Also read: These 7 Social Security myths just aren’t true, no matter how often you hear them
Anyone age 12 or older requesting a new Social Security number will need to be interviewed. They will ask for evidence to show that your child doesn’t have a Social Security number. Here are documents you can use to prove that a Social Security number wasn’t assigned:
- If your child lived outside the U.S. for an extended period, a current or previous passport, school and/or employment records and any other record that would show long-term residence outside the U.S.
- If your child has lived in the U.S. and is applying for an original Social Security number, get information about the schools your child attended or may ask you to provide copies of tax records.
While using a certificate of naturalization to prove age or citizenship, you can’t use it as proof of identity. Proof of identity includes your child’s name, identifying information and a recent photograph. A child’s passport is preferred. If the document isn’t available they may accept:
- State-issued nondriver’s card identification
- Doctor, clinic or hospital record
- School card identification
A parent must also provide proof of identity documents. The document must show your name, date of birth, and a recent photograph.
Why you should replace a lost Social Security card
Even though losing a Social Security card can be a stressful situation, applying for a new card is the best option. Your Social Security card and number are some of the most important documents you will need throughout your lifetime. It’s used when you get hired for a job, apply for federal loans, retire, do your tax returns and much more. And if the wrong person gets a hold of your card, you could become a victim of identity theft.
See: Your baby’s identity may already have been stolen
Memorizing your Social Security number isn’t the best option in this scenario. Your Social Security card is a government-issued document that still needs to be in your possession.
Always remember that monitoring your credit score and credit card should be an ongoing task. Once your information has been lost or stolen, it could be at risk. If you want to keep track of your credit score, check your credit report at Credit.com or annualcreditreport.com.
If you have lost your Social Security card, use the information above to get a replacement. Always keep an eye out for your credit activity to make sure it hasn’t gotten into the wrong hands.
This article originally appeared on Credit.com.
