How to replace lost identification

• ✺A valid ID is often required for everyday tasks like opening a bank account, boarding a flight, or applying for a job.
• ✺Delaying replacement can leave you without ID exactly when you need it most.
• ✺If your ID was stolen, acting quickly can help limit potential identity theft.

1. 1Determine which ID you need to replace and find the correct issuing agency (state DMV, SSA, or U.S. State Department).
2. 2Gather supporting documents, like another form of ID, proof of address, or your Social Security number.
3. 3Check whether you can apply online, or if you need to go in person or mail an application.
4. 4Submit your application and pay any applicable fee.
5. 5If the original was stolen, consider additional steps like monitoring your credit or filing a police report.

DMV

Department of Motor Vehicles — the state agency that issues driver's licenses and state ID cards.

Form SS-5

The application form used to request an original or replacement Social Security card.

Form DS-11

The U.S. State Department form used for new or replacement passport applications.

Fraud alert

A notice placed on your credit file to warn lenders to take extra identity-verification steps before extending credit.

• ✗Waiting too long to replace a lost ID, leaving you without identification when you need it.
• ✗Not reporting a stolen ID or monitoring for identity theft afterward.
• ✗Assuming all ID types are replaced through the same agency or process.
• ✗Forgetting to bring required supporting documents when applying in person, causing delays.

• !A new Social Security card generally keeps your same number — the SSA typically does not issue a new number just for a lost card.
• !Passport replacement requirements differ depending on whether the loss happened domestically or while traveling abroad.
• !Processing times and fees vary by state (for driver's licenses) and by agency (for passports and Social Security cards).
• !If an ID was stolen, consider checking your credit report for unfamiliar activity as an added precaution.

• Each type of ID has a specific issuing agency for replacements: DMV, SSA, or the State Department.
• Most replacements require proof of identity and sometimes a small fee.
• A replaced Social Security card generally keeps the same number.
• If an ID was stolen, consider monitoring your credit in addition to replacing the document.

Totally optional. Nobody's grading you.

1. 1.If you've lost an ID, start the replacement process with the correct issuing agency as soon as possible.
2. 2.If it was stolen, consider checking your credit report for suspicious activity.

Related lessons:

• Understanding Social Security numbers
• Important documents to keep
• What to do if your identity is stolen

• Replace vital documents
  USA.gov(opens in a new tab)
• Social Security card replacement
  Social Security Administration (SSA)(opens in a new tab)
• Lost or stolen passports
  U.S. Department of State(opens in a new tab)