Tips On How To Replace Lost or Stolen Social Security Number Fast
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The Social Security card could be one of the most crucial identifications that you could have. Therefore, it would cause great concern if it gets stolen or lost. When this happens, it is important that you immediately act on the matter to minimize the damage it could cost you.
Anyone who possesses your Social Security address and number can gain access to sensitive information about you. This includes your credit card information and financial records. Additionally, identity thieves can cause a mess in case your social security number falls on their hands.
When your card is lost or stolen, there are several steps that must be taken to ensure that sensitive information is secured. You can have it replaced for free through the Social Security Administration website. Also, you can visit the local SSA office near you or you can have it through snail mail.
If you are the type who does not need your social security card and knows its number you could forego all the troubles of getting a new one. This is because no one is required to have the actual SS card if they know their SS number. However, you should consider that some employers might require you to show your social security card at some point.
It is important to note that card replacement is only limited to three within a year and 10 times for the rest of your life. But, there are several exceptions including a change in legal name. Card updates due to changes in immigration status is also another exception.
How To Get New Social Security Card
There are three simple tips that you must do in order to get a new Social Security card.
1. Prepare Your Documentation
You will need to have the original documents or certified copies issued by designated agencies or notarized copies. The required documents are needed to prove the following:
Citizenship
You must show documents that prove your US citizenship. It could be a US passport or a US birth certificate.
Age
You will need a birth certificate to prove your age. Aside from that, you must also show a US passport, US hospital birth record, or a religious record showing the date of birth and made before the age of five years.
Identity
You can use your us drivers license as evidence of identity for Social Security card. There are several other identifications that you can use aside from your us drivers license as evidence of identity for Social Security card. This includes an employee ID card, state-issued ID, military ID card, US passport, and health insurance cards.
All of the documents mentioned above must be up to date. The SSA will not accept and honor any expired documents or even receipts bearing that you have applied for it. The documents must show your name, your latest photograph, and several identifying details like your age and birthday.
2. Online Application
You can apply online by filling out the application for the Social Security card. You can also create an account at the SSA website and fill out the application form online.
3. Go to the Nearest SSA Office
Bring your application form along with your original documents to the SSA office near you. If you directly made the application online, the website will bring you right away to a page where you could find the nearest SSA office in your area. You can also submit the application through the online form.
Additional Requirements for Getting a Replacement Social Security Card Online
You can request for a replacement of your Social Security card online if you meet the following requirements:
- You are a US citizen
- You are 18 years old and above
- You have a US mailing address
- You have a driver’s license or a state-issued ID card
Lost or Stolen Social Security Card
- Update Your Credit File and Report a Fraud Alert
You may contact three major companies if you want to update your credit file—Experian, Equifax, and Transunion. You only have to contact any of these three agencies since the one you contact will alert all the other two agencies. The alert will be up for 90 days but you have the option to renew it if you feel unsafe.
- Report to the IRS Social Security Card or Number Theft
This is very crucial since reporting your stolen Social Security number or card to the IRS will prevent the filing of fraudulent tax returns. If you fail to report the incident to the IRS, the agency might charge you any fraudulent tax filings.