Why can you only get 10 social security cards in a lifetime

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Birth Certificate

In order to obtain a copy of your birth certificate you must write to the office of vital statistics in your birth state. 

Social Security Card

You can replace your card or your child’s card for free if it is lost or stolen. However, you are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime. Legal name changes and other exceptions do not count toward these limits. For example, changes in noncitizen status that require card updates may not count toward these limits. Also, you may not be affected by these limits if you can prove you need the card to prevent a significant hardship.

To get a replacement card, you will need to:

• Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5);
• Present a recently issued document to show your identity;
• Show evidence of your U.S. citizenship if our records do not already contain that information.

Marriage Certificate

If you have changed your name due to a marriage or if your utility bills are in your spouse's name, you will need to bring documentation to prove this. You can contact the office of vital statistics in the state of your marriage to obtain these records.

Record of Divorce

If you have changed your name due to a divorce, you will need to bring documentation to prove this. You can contact the office of vital statistics in the state of your divorce to obtain these records. 

Certificate of Naturalization

Visit the US Customs and Immigration Service for instructions and fees.

A full list of vital statistic offices is kept by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Introduction

You can replace your Social Security (SS) card for free if it is lost or stolen. However, you may not need to get a replacement card. Knowing your Social Security Number (SSN) is what is important. You are limited to three replacement cards in a year and 10 during your lifetime. Legal name changes and other exceptions do not count toward these limits. For example, changes in immigration status that require card updates may not count toward these limits. Also, you may not be affected by these limits if you can prove you need the card to prevent a significant hardship.

Types

Originals

To apply for an original card, you must provide at least two documents to prove age, identity, and either U.S. citizenship or current lawful, work-authorized immigration status. If you are not a U.S. citizen and do not have Department of Homeland Security (DHS) work authorization, you must prove that you have a valid non-work reason for requesting a card.

Replacements

To apply for a replacement card, you must provide one document to prove your identity. If you were born outside the U.S., you must also provide documents to prove your U.S. citizenship or current, lawful, work-authorized status.

Changing Information

If you need to change the information on your SSN record (correcting your name, citizenship, or date of birth) you must provide documents to prove your identity, support the requested change, and establish the reason for the change. A document supporting a name change must be recent and identify you by both your old and new names.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) may accept these as proof of a legal name change:

• a marriage document
• a divorce decree
• a certificate of naturalization showing the new name
• a court order approving the name change

If the document you provide as evidence of a legal name change does not give enough information to identify you in the SS records, or if you changed your name more than two years ago (four years ago if you are under 18 years of age), you must show

an identity document in your prior name (as shown in their records). The SSA will accept an identity document in your old name that has expired.

If you do not have an identity document in your prior name, the SSA may accept an unexpired identity document in your new name, as long as they can properly establish your identity in their records.

Applying

You may be able to apply for a replacement card online. 

You can use a "my_Social Security" account to apply for a replacement Social Security card online if you are:

• A US citizen age 18 or order with a US mailing address (this includes APO, FPO, and DPO addresses)
• Not requesting a name change or any other change to your card
• Have a Driver's License or state issued identification card from one of the many participating states or the District Columbia.

If you don't have a "my Social Security" account, you can create one today. To set up your account, go to ssa.gov (home page) and select my Social Security. 

If you do not qualify to apply online for a card, you will need to complete Form SS-5. You can obtain form SS-5 on the SS online Website at ssa.gov or by visiting your local SS office. If you are not sure where your local office is located, call 1-800-772-1213.

All documents submitted must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. The SSA cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.

Take or mail the signed form SS-5 to the nearest SS office. Be sure to take or mail the originals or certified copies of your supporting documents along with the form. They will return your original documents. 

Providing Proof

Of Age

In general, you must present your birth certificate. If one exists, you must submit it. If a birth certificate does not exist, the SSA may be able to accept your:

• religious record made before the age of five showing your date of birth
• U.S. hospital record of your birth
• U.S. passport
• final adoption decree

Of Identity

The SSA can accept only certain documents as proof of identity. An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age), and preferably a recent photograph.

Documents proving identity:

• a U.S. driver's license
• a state-issued non-driver identity card
• a U.S. passport

If you do not have one of these specific documents, or if you cannot get a replacement for one of them within 10 work days, the SSA will ask to see other documents. Any documents submitted, including any one of the following, must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age), and preferably a recent photograph.

• an employee identification card
• a school identification card
• a health insurance or Medicaid card
• a certificate of naturalization
• a certified copy of your medical record
• a U.S. military identification card

Of Citizenship

In general, you must provide your U.S. birth certificate or U.S. passport.

Other documents proving citizenship:

• a consular report of birth
• a certificate of citizenship
• a certificate of naturalization

Form

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