If you have damaged your Social Security card, you may apply for a replacement. In most cases, the only time you will need to produce your card is when you apply for employment. Therefore, if you anticipate starting new employment, you should request a replacement card in advance.
You can replace your card for free. 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.
For more information about getting a replacement card, see Documents You Need for a Social Security Card. See also our Question,
Where should I send my completed Application for a Social Security Card?
Keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not carry it with you.
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www.socialsecurity.gov
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