Vital record replacement: How to get a new social security card

How to apply for a new social security card or a new social security number.

If a need arose for your Social Security card and you cannot find it- don’t panic. Perhaps you only misplaced it. If you find that you need to obtain a new social security card because yours has been misplaced or damaged somehow, replacing it is easy. If yours has been lost or stolen and has been misused by a third party, you can apply for a new number. The same also applies in other specific scenarios. A person may be issued a new number to prevent being located by an abuser. It can also be changed for religious reasons. (I assume that would be having a 666 in your number.)When a new number is issued, the old number still remains in the Social Security Office system and is cross-referenced with the new one. To my knowledge, a new number is not issued simply because the card was lost or stolen. I believe it has to have been abused proof of this action is required. (Check with your Local Social Security office for specific information.) Following are the procedures for replacing a card and for applying for a new number.

To obtain a duplicate copy of your lost social security card, you must first complete the Application for a Social Security Card. This form is referred to as Form SS-5 and can be obtained at the SSA’s official website. If you prefer to go in person, go to your local Social Security office to complete the form. You will need to bring proof of identity to the office. They do not accept birth certificates as hospital records do not include photos. They accept Drivers’ Licenses, school ID’s, and Passports among other types of ID. Save yourself trouble and make sure you bring the right information. Bring several types of ID to be sure you’ll have the right one.

Once your application has been processed, you will be given a “receipt” of your application with your Social Security number on it. The form will state that you applied for a card. Most employers will temporarily accept this sheet as proof of citizenship, if you needed the card for a job. Mine did. The SSA will tell you that the card should arrive in a few weeks.
If you don’t simply want a copy of your card and want to actually apply for a new number, first make sure that your situation meets the criteria. Go the SSA website for specific information. Once you have verified that your situation deems a new number, you are ready to apply for the new number.

To apply for a new number, you must first complete the Application for a Social Security Card. This form is referred to as Form SS-5 and can be obtained at the SSA’s official website. It is the same form you would use for requesting a copy of the card with the old number on it. You will need to bring proof of identity to the office. They do not accept birth certificates as hospital records do not include photos. They accept Drivers’ Licenses, school ID’s, and Passports among other types of ID.

You will also need proof that you need a new social security number. This process requires that you go to the office in person. They will tell you what suffices as proof of need for a new number.

Comforting words for those with a lost or stolen social security card: Misusing a social security number is a Federal Offense. The perpetrator who steals your identity or misuses your information could face Prison Terms and Fines. Maybe whoever has your card (if ANYONE actually has it) isn’t dumb enough to risk that.