Getting A New Social Security Card In Florida

Within the US, a social security card is a document as essential to everyday life as the keys to your apartment or your mobile phone. Misplacing your card can have devastating effects on your life and finances. Access to your social security number gives thieves an easy way to access your personal information.

The good news is that there are many easy ways to resolve the situation if your card is lost or stolen, and we have the top guide on who to tell, what to do, and how to get a new social security card in Florida.

Who Do I Tell?

If you’re in the position that your card has been lost or stolen, there are a few people who need to know:

• Credit agencies – this prevents thieves from taking out lines of credit in your name. You only need to call one of the big three (Equifax, Trust Union, or Experian), and they will pass the information on to the rest.
• The police – provide them with any proof you have of the theft
• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – they collect complaints about identity theft from victims.
• The IRS – this prevents thieves from making fraudulent tax returns in your name.

Once you’re sure you have told everyone who needs to be informed and taken the relevant steps to protect yourself, you can go about applying online for your new social security card. The process is quick and easy, usually taking around two weeks.

What Do I Do?

Requesting a replacement social security card is easy. You will need to collect a few documents and fill out the relevant paperwork – much of the process can be done online.

• Complete an SS-5 Application.

This form is available online. It will require important identifying information such as your name, date of birth, and address.

• Collect all of the required documents

You will need several important documents to apply for your new social security card. These will need to cover a variety of components, such as:

• Age of applicant
• Type of application – new, replacement, or update
• The applicant’s citizenship status – a US-born citizen applying for a replacement will need different documents to a non-US citizen applying for their first number.

It’s important to remember that all documents must be originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. The department will be unable to accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.

• Submit your application to your Social Security Office

The form and relevant documents will need to be presented to the local Social Security Administration Office. This process can be done through the mail or in person – if the latter, you will need an ID, such as a US passport, a US driver’s license or a state-issued non-driver identification card.

Getting a new social security number should be a top priority, and something you need to get in place as soon as possible. Protecting your financial security and personal identity is crucial, and the risk of the information getting into the hands of thieves is potentially catastrophic.