You can replace a lost or stolen Social Security card up to three times in a year and up to 10 times during your lifetime. Getting a new card because of a change in your legal name or citizenship status does not count toward the limits. Show You can request a placement card online, by mail or in person at a local Social Security office. Replacing your Social Security card onlineTo request a replacement card online, you must have a My Social Security account and meet these requirements:
Replacing your card by mail or in personIf you don’t have an online account or don’t meet any one of the other criteria listed above, you’ll have to fill out an application form and either mail it or take it to your local Social Security office. Local offices fully reopened April 7 after being closed to walk-in traffic for more than two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Social Security Administration (SSA) recommends calling in advance and scheduling an appointment to avoid long waits. You’ll need to provide what the SSA calls "primary" proof of identity — either a passport, a driver’s license or a state-issued photo ID card. If you don’t have any of those, Social Security will ask to see a current, “secondary” ID that shows your name; identifying information such as age or date of birth; and, preferably, a recent photograph — for example, an employee, student or U.S. military ID or a health insurance card (but not a Medicare card). Social Security typically requires the original of your primary ID document, or a copy certified by the agency that issued it. Photocopies, even if notarized, are not accepted. However, the SSA advises against mailing “original primary documents that should be kept secure in your possession.” As an alternative, you may send secondary evidence of identity, or contact your local office about dropping off your evidence or making an appointment. Social Security will return any documents you do submit once they process your new card. Your new Social Security card should arrive in the mail in 10 to 14 days. There is no charge. Keep in mindTo change the
name on your Social Security card, you will need to provide proof of your new name — for example, a marriage certificate, adoption papers or a court order granting the change — and proof of identity and citizenship. These must be originals or certified copies. If you don’t have any of those documents, Social Security may accept an unexpired, state-issued identity document in your new name, provided they can match it to your old name in their records. How to Get a Photo I.D., Birth Certificate, or Social Security CardAuthored By: D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center FAQI don't have a car, so I don't need a driver's license. Why do I need photo identification? When you start a new job, your employer is required to ask you for proof of identification. Having a photo identification card (ID) can also make it easier for you to get certain kinds of services, such as public benefits. You often need an ID simply to get into the buildings where hearings in shelter and public benefits cases are held. Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to get a photo ID in the District? No. You must live in the District to get a District-issued ID, but you do not have to be a U.S. citizen. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must present your current immigration documents when applying for an I.D. Keep reading for a list of immigration documents that you can use to verify your identity and date of birth. Can I get a photo ID in the District if I am homeless? Yes, though you must be able to prove that you live in the District. Keep reading for ways to do this. Where do I apply for a photo ID?
How do I verify my identity and date of birth? 1. You can submit ONE of the following "Primary" documents (you must bring the original):
2. OR, if you do not have the "Primary" documents listed above, you can submit TWO of the following "Secondary" documents (you must bring the originals):
How do I verify my Social Security number? 1. You can submit ONE of the following:
2. OR, if you do not have any of the documents listed above, you can submit TWO of the following:
See below for information about getting a new or replacement Social Security card. How do I verify that I am a D.C. resident? As proof of residency, you must submit an original:
If you are homeless or cannot produce any of the above documents, you can submit a Proof of Residency Form, available here, which requires the signature of a D.C. resident willing to certify that you live with him or her. The form must be accompanied by a copy of the certifier's valid D.C. driver's license or valid D.C. non-driver identification and one of the above residency verification documents for person signing the form. DMV has sometimes accepted a letter from a shelter as proof of residency, but that is not reflected in any official documents or rules from the Department of Motor Vehicles. I don't have a Social Security card, or my Social Security card has been lost. How do I get a new or replacement card? You can apply for a Social Security card or replacement card by completing an Application For a Social Security Card (Form SS-5), available here, and mailing or taking it to one of the local Social Security offices:
You must show original documents or copies certified by the issuing agency that prove U.S. citizenship or immigration status, age and identity.
The Social Security Administration website has additional useful information about Social Security numbers and cards. My birth certificate has been lost. How do I get another one? If you were born in the District of Columbia, you can apply in person for a replacement Birth Certificate at Vital Records, 899 N. Capitol St., NE, 1st Floor, 20002. You must present photo identification. If they do not have photo identification, Vital Records may accept school records, medical records or other alternative documents, but that is not reflected in any official documents or rules from the Office of Vital Records. The Birth Certificate application form is available here. You can find additional information at the Department of Health. If you were not born in the District of Columbia, click here for information on how to request birth records from other states. How much does it cost to get a non-driver photo I.D., new or replacement Social Security Card, or birth certificate?
Can I get financial help to pay the costs of getting a birth certificate or identification card? Two organizations that we are aware of provide funds to individuals to cover the fees required for obtaining identification documents:
Last Review and Update: Aug 23, 2011 Can I get a replacement Social Security card at my local office?If you aren't able to use a personal my Social Security account to request a replacement card, you can still begin the process online and complete it in a local Social Security office or card center, usually in less time.
What can I get instead of a Social Security number?The only acceptable alternative to a Social Security number is an individual Taxpayer Identification number, known as an ITIN.
|