If you misplace your Social Security card, getting a replacement may seem like a simple, routine task. But before you apply , you need to know about the "3-and-10" rule.

Under federal law, the Social Security Administration (SSA) limits the number of replacement cards you can receive to three per calendar year and ten over your lifetime. While most people will never come close to those thresholds, reaching the cap without understanding how the system works can leave you stranded when you need a physical card for a new job or government benefits.

Congress established these limits to combat identity theft , prevent the illegal resale of Social Security cards, and deter fraud — not to punish people who simply misplace a card.

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