In this, the digital age, the notion of losing your wallet or purse—with your Social Security card lodged inside—may seem like a low-risk, or even a no-risk affair. But people do suffer lost or stolen wallets all the time, and pairing that experience with a lost Social Security card only doubles the pain. While there are certainly dependable ways to avoid losing your Social Security card, like locking it away in a safe place and keeping the card out of your wallet or pocket, people still lose their Social Security cards. Make no mistake, getting a card back can be a bit of a process.

Now that you know the basics, let's take a deeper dive on what to do if you lose your Social Security card. To be sure, quick action is important. "If an individual loses their Social Security card, the first thing they should do is make sure they have claimed their 'My SSA' profile at the Social Security ' My Account' website," says Devin Carroll, founder of Social Security Intelligence, in Texarkana, Texas. "Not only can you request a replacement card, you can also quickly check the accuracy of your annual earnings history, print benefits statements and change your address." When you do reach out to the Social Security Administration to report—and replace—a lost card, know going in that the agency has a substantial "to do" list that needs to be completed before they'll even accept your request for a new Social Security card.

Now that you know the basics, let's take a deeper dive on what to do if you lose your Social Security card. To be sure, quick action is important. "If an individual loses their Social Security card, the first thing they should do is make sure they have claimed their 'My SSA' profile at the Social Security ' My Account' website," says Devin Carroll, founder of Social Security Intelligence, in Texarkana, Texas. "Not only can you request a replacement card, you can also quickly check the accuracy of your annual earnings history, print benefits statements and change your address." When you do reach out to the Social Security Administration to report—and replace—a lost card, know going in that the agency has a substantial "to do" list that needs to be completed before they'll even accept your request for a new Social Security card.

There are several exceptions if you can't get the needed identification documents, or don't have them at all, the SSA will accept other forms of identification that show your legal name and biographical data. Acceptable options include a U.S. military I.D. card, a Certificate of Naturalization, employee identity card, a certified copy of medical record (from a clinic, doctor or hospital), a health insurance card, Medicaid card, or school identity card. Note that any of the identification documents listed above must be either originals or copies that are certified by the issuing agency. The SSA will not accept photo copy IDs, or copied documents that are notarized. Any receipts proving you applied for a legitimate form of identification won't be accepted, either.