Applying for a new social security card

You may apply for a new social security card if you have lost your card, damaged it, or if it is no longer readable.

The social security card is a record containing your social security number in addition to your personal details.

The social security number will be used by your employer to identify you in all social security declarations (e.g. registrations, deregistrations and annual social insurance reports). The social security number remains the same throughout a persons lifetime. The German pension insurance fund will keep your account under this number.

If you lose or damage your card, you may apply for a new social security card

• online,
• at an information and advice centre of the German pension insurance fund, or
• at the health insurance fund.

If you start a new job, you must show your social security card to your employer. If you do not yet have a social security number, you may register without one. Registration by your employer will then launch the new assignment of a social security number. Your social security card will be sent to you automatically.

You will also need a social security card when applying for a social security benefit, such as unemployment benefit.

If you change your name, for example if you get married, you will automatically receive a new social security card.

Note: Your social security card also displays your data as a machine-readable code (QR Code). 

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Forms: N/A
Can I apply online? Yes
Do I need to apply in writing? No
Do I need to apply in person? No

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If you lose or damage your card, you may apply for a new social security card online or at an information and advice centre of the German pension insurance fund or at the health insurance fund.

You will receive your social security card by post at your home address.

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Once you have applied, your social security card will be sent to your home address within 14 days.

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