What to know:
- A SSN is issued to U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents and other non immigrants, including DACA recipients, foreign workers and others.
- First time applicants and those who need to replace a SSN card can do it online. First timers will be required to go in person to a Social Security Administration Office.
- A Social Security card arrives via USPS 14 business days after identity has been verified and the application has completed.
- If someone uses your SSN without your permission it is called identity theft and must be reported to the U.S. Federal and Trade Commission.
A Social Security number (SSN) is a nine-digit identifier assigned to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and eligible nonimmigrant workers — like DACA recipients and H1B workers — by the Social Security Administration (SSA). A SSN is used to apply for loans, open bank accounts, obtain insurance and to report wages to the SSA.
The SSA issues a SSN in a paper card that fits on a wallet. This makes it easily misplaced or stolen. Sometimes it could also be lost in the mail during delivery. While remembering the number is often sufficient, having the physical card is just as important to prove your identity when required and to prevent identity theft. Here how to replace a Social Security card if it was lost or stolen.
Who is eligible for a Social Security number?
A Social Security number is issued to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents (LPR), and other nonimmigrants including:
- Asylees and refugees
- Noncitizens with work authorization (DACA, U Visa, for example)
- TPS Holders
- F-1 students eligible for work
- Other foreign workers are authorized to work in the U.S.
- See the full list here
How to apply for a Social Security number
Those who are eligible and are present in the United States can submit their application online through the SSA portal. The application will ask for the name, citizenship status, date of birth, country of origin, along with a mailing address of the applicant. The name must match the documents used to prove your identity, such as your passport.
After applying online, the applicant must visit the local Social Security office within 45 days to provide proof of identity. Applicants can find their local office by entering their ZIP code in the SSA’s website.
These are the documents accepted to prove your identity. The documents must be original copies, unexpired and show your name and date of birth.
After SSA verifies your identity and completes the application, USPS will deliver the SSN card via mail within 14 business days.
Nonimmigrants who apply for the form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, can also request the SSA to issue a SSN in the same form under the ‘other information’ section.

I lost my Social Security card. How can I replace it?
Don’t worry, you are not the only one. The SSA issues around 10 million SSN card replacements every year, due to loss, damage or name changes.
You can replace a SSN card via the SSA replacement portal, where you will answer several questions, including if you know your social security number, to see if you are eligible to replace it online. Otherwise, you will have to visit a local Social Security office in person.
Someone stole my Social Security card. What can I do?
When someone steals and uses someone else’s social security number it is called identity theft. In 2021, the Bureau of Justice Statistics estimated that 1 in 10 individuals in the U.S. are victims of identity theft annually. A SSN can be used to open financial accounts, take loans, and more. It can have serious consequences to your credit score, which is a number used in the U.S. to measure your economic well being.
If you believe you were a victim of identity theft, you must report it with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), where you will be asked questions about the incident. It is highly recommended to do it as soon as possible.

The FTC will provide assistance to track the progress of your report and a recovery plan.
Also Read: How To Repair Your Credit Score