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Replace Your Lost or Stolen EBT Card in California

Learn the fastest ways to report your lost EBT card and protect your benefits.

How to Replace Your Lost or Stolen California EBT Card

Report right away if your EBT card is lost, stolen, or damaged. This can help protect your SNAP benefits and request a replacement through the California Department of Social Services. The good news is that getting a replacement is quick and easy through your state’s official SNAP or EBT system.

Your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card gives you access to your SNAP food benefits or cash assistance funds. If your card is missing, it’s important to report it immediately to prevent unauthorized use. You can do this by calling your state’s EBT Customer Service number or by visiting your official California EBT website to report the loss online.

After reporting, your old food stamp card will be deactivated, and a new card will be mailed to the address on file—usually within 3 to 10 business days. Once your new SNAP card arrives, activate it by following the included instructions or using your existing PIN if your state allows it. For your security, consider setting a new PIN before using the card again.

If you suspect someone used your food stamps benefits without permission, contact your local SNAP office right away to file a theft or fraud claim. Keeping your card information private and monitoring your food stamp balance regularly helps protect your benefits.

View the different steps below on how to replace your California EBT card and keep your food assistance benefits safe and accessible. You can report your lost card in three ways — by phone, online, or at a local office.

Report Your Lost Card by Phone

Report your Golden State Advantage EBT Card as lost, stolen, or damaged by calling the California EBT customer service number.

California EBT Customer Service Number

The CA EBT customer service number is 877-328-9677. You can call this number 24/7 to report a lost or stolen card, request a replacement, or check your EBT balance.

Request a Replacement Online

Visit your state’s EBT website, ebt.ca.gov. If you have the mobile EBT app, you should be able to report it through there. You can also visit the CA official SNAP website.

Visit Your Local SNAP Office for Help

You can visit your local SNAP office to report your lost, stolen, or damaged EBT card. To find an office near you, use the official CA SNAP office locator.

When to Expect Your Replacement and PIN Setup

Replacement EBT cards are mailed to the address on file. Your existing PIN may carry over unless you choose to reset it. For security purposes, resetting your PIN may be a good option.

If Your Benefits Were Stolen or Misused

If your benefits were used without permission, follow your state''s instructions to file a theft claim if applicable. It is necessary to report the theft to be eligible for replacement of any stolen benefits, though eligibility is not guaranteed.

Report EBT Fraud in California

If you suspect your SNAP benefits were stolen or accessed without your permission, you should report EBT fraud immediately. This helps California investigate unauthorized benefit use and protect your account.

  • Agency: California Department of Social Services
  • Phone: 800-344-8477
  • Website: Report SNAP Fraud

Important: If your card was skimmed, cloned, or used without your knowledge, you must report the fraud as soon as possible for the best chance of benefit reimbursement.

Important Security Tips

  • Prompt reporting is the first step to protecting your benefits from future theft.
  • Benefits used before reporting the loss may not be replaced.
  • Activating your new card permanently deactivates the old one.
  • Due to increased EBT card skimming, reset your PIN frequently and report unusual transactions immediately.

More California EBT Resources

Last updated November 12, 2025