Generally, you may need to show your Social Security card to your employer when you start a job. Therefore, if you anticipate starting new employment, you should request a replacement card in advance.

You can replace your Social Security 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 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.

For more information about what you need to do to get a replacement card, see Documents You Need for a Social Security Card.