Replacing a lost passport or SSN card

A lost Social Security card and a lost passport are handled very differently. The card is free to replace, and you may not need one at all if you know your number. A passport has to be reported first, which cancels it, and then replaced with a new application made in person. There are three ways to report it: online, by mail on Form DS-64, or on the new application itself.

What you need

• Your Social Security number
• A photo ID, such as a driver's license
• Where and when the passport was lost, and a copy of any police report

Steps

1. 1

   Decide whether you need the card at all

   In most cases a physical card isn't needed if you know your number.

   1 min

2. 2

   Start the replacement card request online

   Online is the fastest way. Depending on your situation, you may need an appointment at a local Social Security office instead. The office can't print a card for you on the spot.

   10 min

3. 3

   Watch the mail for the card

   It arrives 5 to 10 business days after the request is done. For help, call 800-772-1213, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., or 800-325-0778 on TTY.

   1 min

4. 4

   Report a lost or stolen passport right away

   Reporting it protects you from identity theft. The online form is fastest, and the passport is canceled within 1 business day with a confirmation email. Form DS-64 by mail, with a photocopy of both sides of a photo ID, can take several weeks.

   10 min

5. 5

   Apply in person for a new passport

   Reporting doesn't replace the passport. Apply in person on Form DS-11 and give where and when it was lost, with a copy of any police report.

   5 min

Once a passport is reported

A passport you've reported lost or stolen is canceled for good, so it can't be used for travel even if it turns up later. Don't report an expired passport as lost or stolen. You can also report a lost passport on the DS-11 itself while applying for a new one, but the old one may take several weeks to cancel that way, so use the online form first.