Q.  I've lost my Social Security card. I've memorized my number, but my employer has told me to get a duplicate card. How can I get a replacement? Will I have the same number?

A.  It's a good idea to replace Social Security cards when they are lost. Because many people make mistakes reciting their numbers from memory, employers should insist on seeing their employees' official Social Security cards.

It takes about two weeks to issue a duplicate Social Security card. The new card will have the same number as the old one.

Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office and ask for form SS-5: the application used to request original cards, name changes, and duplicate cards. Complete the application and return it with the required evidence to any Social Security office.

Because criminal use of false identification is a growing problem throughout the United States, all applicants for duplicate Social Security cards must submit evidence of identity. Here are some examples of documents the Social Security Administration accepts as evidence of identity (people born outside the United States must submit additional evidence):

driver's license U.S. passport employee ID card school ID card school records marriage record divorce record military records adoption records life insurance policy medical records church membership card health insurance card (but not a Medicare card)

Click on the card above for the answers to more of your Social Security questions.

If a document doesn't show the owner's picture, it must show his or her name plus at least one of the following: signature, age or date of birth, or parents' names.

Social Security must see original documents, or copies certified by the official that keeps the original record. Photocopies are not acceptable -- even if they are notarized.

If there is any question about the identity of the applicant, or any question about the information provided on the application, the local Social Security office may request additional documents. All documents are returned to the applicant.

Here are a few examples of documents that are not acceptable evidence of identity:

bank deposit slip birth certificate hospital birth record car registration check cashing card credit card utility bill fishing or hunting license library card lease or rent receipt shopping card (e.g. from Sam's Club) voter's registration card Social Security records ID cards issued by businesses that sell ID cards documents completed by the applicant or a family member.

Applications may be completed through the mail. But that's not always a popular choice because it necessitates mailing evidence--remember photocopies are not acceptable--to and from the local Social Security office.