what do you do if you lost your social security card?

Take your birth certificate and get a copy. a small fee and I don't remember how much and it probably varies from state to state

Here's what you can get from the government web site. Hope it helps:

You can replace your card for free if it is lost or stolen.

To replace the lost Social Security card:

* Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5);
* Show us documents proving your identity; and
* Take (or mail) your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office or nearest card center.

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

For more information about getting a replacement card and the documents you will need to show us, see Documents You Need for a Social Security Card.

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.

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.

Keep your Social Security card in a safe place with your other important papers. Do not carry it with you.

If you suspect that someone else may be using your card

Even though you apply for a replacement card, Social Security takes no action on the loss of the original card. Reporting a lost or stolen card to us will not prevent its misuse.

A person using your card or number can get other personal information about you and apply for credit in your name. So, if you suspect someone is using your number, you should take these steps to protect yourself and your financial health:

* Educate yourself about identity theft;
* File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission;
* Check your Social Security record (call toll-free 1-800-772-1213; TTY 1-800-325-0778) to ensure your income is calculated correctly; and
* Monitor your credit reports.

I lost mine a few months ago, replacement is quite easy.
I believe you get like 3 free replacements, but after that they might charge you. Just go down to your local SS office, I think you will have to take your ID & Birth certificate. My new card arrived in the mail, the whole process only took about 2 weeks for me.

I was right, check it out.
http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/ssa.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=251&p_created=958404483&p_sid=a9O9MmQi&p_accessibility=0&p_redirect=&p_lva=&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9zb3J0X2J5PSZwX2dyaWRzb3J0PSZwX3Jvd19jbnQ9NSw1JnBfcHJvZHM9JnBfY2F0cz0xNiwzMSZwX3B2PSZwX2N2PTIuMzEmcF9zZWFyY2hfdHlwZT1hbnN3ZXJzLnNlYXJjaF9ubCZwX3BhZ2U9MQ**&p_li=&p_topview=1

"You can replace your card for free if it is lost or stolen.

To replace the lost Social Security card:

* Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5);
* Show us documents proving your identity; and
* Take (or mail) your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office or nearest card center.

All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies of notarized copies of documents. "

Documents You Need for a Social Security Card
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ss5doc/

~Good Luck

Depends. You can go to www.socialsecurity.gov download the form, fill it out & return it to your local office with proof of who you are or mail it. I don't suggest mailing as you have to mail the originals of any proof. Plus if you take it in they can give you paper proof that you applied if you need it. But there's no fee. It takes 2-4 wks. usually to get it back but the rest of the process is easy, quick & painless. lol!

If you know your old number & it's just a replacement card you only need one proof. It can be a state certified ID, driver's license or birth cert. If it's your first or a new number I think it requires 2 or 3 proofs of who you are.

no fee. just extremely long lines. bring your DL, Birth certificate, a lot to eat and a book to read.