Social Security Card

[jerseygal]

You will need it if you apply for Social Security benefits when you retire or if you become disabled.

Once never knows when you will need it...Better to get a replacement now!

 

[_19disnA]

Some places ASK for your SSN but don't require you show the physical card. Doctor/dentist office is one place that asks for it (probably to verify insurance coverage), but have never asked me to show the actual SS card.

 

[gotomu212]

I just had to show mine last week to renew my drivers license and get the Real ID, and I had to show it a few months ago to open a new brokerage account.

I’d replace it now so you don’t have to go through the hassle if you find you need it.

 

[Missy1961]

I needed mine back in 2004 when I had to renew my state ID card (don't drive). You had to prove that the SSN you provided the DMV with was your actual number. When I got a new job in 2016 and 2017, I had to show it and my ID, but it's possible I could have used some other form of ID then. I had it so that's what I used.

 

[bcla]

I needed mine back in 2004 when I had to renew my state ID card (don't drive). You had to prove that the SSN you provided the DMV with was your actual number. When I got a new job in 2016 and 2017, I had to show it and my ID, but it's possible I could have used some other form of ID then. I had it so that's what I used.

The way it works in my state is that the DMV requires the number but doesn't specifically require the original or even a facsimile. They check it against the Social Security database. However, they don't specifically ask to see the card for this particular purpose. That's only required for a commercial license.

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffdl08
You may not start a noncommercial Class A, B, or C driver license application or an ID card application without providing an SSN to DMV. You do not need to show your SSN card or any other visual verification of your SSN to apply for a noncommercial driver license or an ID card. Visual verification of your social security number is required only on original commercial driver license (CDL) applications and for any request to correct an SSN that is already on the driver record database, regardless of your DL class.​

Of course for Real ID compliant DL/IDs it's different, but the requirement seems to differ by state. Around here there's more than just an original SSN card that meets the requirement. Here's California's checklist as an example:

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/realid/checklist
Select ONE document you will use that contains your full social security number (SSN). An applicant must present any of the following genuine documents bearing the name of the applicant and their full social security number:​

• • Social security card.
  • W-2 form with full SSN.
  • Social Security Administration (SSA) 1099 form.
  • Non-SSA-1099 form.
• Pay stub with full SSN.

As for I-9 - it is illegal for an employer to specify which documents will or won't be accepted. As long as the documents meet the requirements then they have to accept them. They can't say it has to be a driver license and original SSN card if the employee decides to provide a passport. It's in the instructions:

https://www.uscis.gov/system/files_force/files/form/i-9instr.pdf
Anti-Discrimination Notice. It is illegal to discriminate against work-authorized individuals in hiring, firing, recruitment or referral for a fee, or in the employment eligibility verification (Form I-9 and E-Verify) process based on that individual's citizenship status, immigration status or national origin. Employers CANNOT specify which document(s) the employee may present to establish employment authorization and identity. The employer must allow the employee to choose the documents to be presented from the Lists of Acceptable Documents, found on the last page of Form I-9. The refusal to hire or continue to employ an individual because the documentation presented has a future expiration date may also constitute illegal discrimination.​

 

[bushdianee]

I lost mine several years ago. About a year ago I started collecting SS and had to go to the SS office for something. Figured I'd apply for a replacement while I was there. They asked if I was planning on buying a house soon, if not I didn't need to get a replacement. Funny thing is when I bought my house about 12 years ago I didn't need my card.

 

[Imzadi]

If you get a new job, you will have to fill out the I-9 form to verify you are a legal U.S. citizen - or some other status. You have to submit one thing from List A, which usually is an unexpired passport, or one thing from List B & on from List C.

For me, I do List B & C, which are a driver's license and my SS card.

So, if your passport expires AND you get a new job, you may need the SS card. (There are other things in List C. like your birth certificate. I personally don't like carrying that around.)

 

[bcla]

If you get a new job, you will have to fill out the I-9 form to verify you are a legal U.S. citizen - or some other status. You have to submit one thing from List A, which usually is an unexpired passport, or one thing from List B & on from List C.

For me, I do List B & C, which are a driver's license and my SS card.

So, if your passport expires AND you get a new job, you may need the SS card. (There are other things in List C. like your birth certificate. I personally don't like carrying that around.)

Carrying around a birth certificate isn't terribly common. I have heard of "wallet sized" birth certificates, but those seem to be a thing of the past in the US now. They were driver license sized and didn't have the standard features that are expected like a seal.

I really don't understand carrying around a birth certificate (or other document like a Consular Report of Birth Abroad or naturalization certificate) for travel to Canada or on a closed-loop cruise. But some people do it. For a one time thing like employment verification it doesn't seem like that big a deal to just stash it in a folder.

I remember one day way back my group at work was asked to come in an bring in the I-9 documentation for one day. Turns out when the group (was a startup) was "onboarded" nobody thought about asking for employment verification. I was the first hire in the group at this company and HR never asked me. I was going to bring my passport (like many of my coworkers) but I forgot. I did have my SSN card in my wallet, which I now understand isn't recommended, and of course my DL. It was kind of interesting with HR there to accept the I-9 and sign off on dozens of people. We had our share of passports, driver license + SSN cards, green cards, and even some foreign passports. I didn't remember a single birth certificate though, and there were plenty of US born employees.

 

[disneychrista]

While the SSN must be provided, employment eligibility documents can't be specified. A passport alone is sufficient for I-9 documentation.

This is true for I-9 purposes, an employer may still require it for payroll verification purposes.

From https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/hiring-employees
Employee's Social Security Number (SSN)
You are required to get each employee's name and Social Security Number (SSN) and to enter them on Form W-2. (This requirement also applies to resident and nonresident alien employees.) You should ask your employee to show you his or her social security card.

 

[tvguy]

This is true for I-9 purposes, an employer may still require it for payroll verification purposes.

From https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/hiring-employees
Employee's Social Security Number (SSN)
You are required to get each employee's name and Social Security Number (SSN) and to enter them on Form W-2. (This requirement also applies to resident and nonresident alien employees.) You should ask your employee to show you his or her social security card.

I must admit I am speculating about needing the card when applying for Social Security Benefits. I'm 61 and my Social Security Card has been in my PARENTS Safe Deposit box since I got it. I have never needed to show the card, just provide the number.

 

[bcla]

This is true for I-9 purposes, an employer may still require it for payroll verification purposes.

From https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/hiring-employees
Employee's Social Security Number (SSN)
You are required to get each employee's name and Social Security Number (SSN) and to enter them on Form W-2. (This requirement also applies to resident and nonresident alien employees.) You should ask your employee to show you his or her social security card.

Sounds more like a suggestion than a requirement. I haven't show mine for any employment purpose in years.

 

[AndreaDM]

I lost my DD15's card a few years ago, while doing taxes I think. Anyway, I had the number so never worried about it but then when I took her to take her learner's permit test they needed the actual card, not just the number. Took over an hour of sitting in the SS office to have our number called, then it was about 5 minutes and the card showed up in about a week. The biggest hassle was finding the time to go to the SS office as I work all day Mon-Fri and had to take a day off work. Sitting there waiting was mind-numbingly boring, I should have take a book! So yes, you will probably need the card at some point so best to suck it up and just get it over with. As others have mentioned, it will be needed to get the enhanced driver's license that will be required in some states.

We are in Ohio BTW, not sure if every state requires the SS card for a permit but our does.

 

[eileenjez]

I just found out you can print a replacement card from the web site. I was rather surprised to see that. Patiently waiting for our new ones in the mail.

 

[disneychrista]

Sounds more like a suggestion than a requirement. I haven't show mine for any employment purpose in years.

Correct. Hence why I said an employer may still require it.

 

[bcla]

I lost my DD15's card a few years ago, while doing taxes I think. Anyway, I had the number so never worried about it but then when I took her to take her learner's permit test they needed the actual card, not just the number. Took over an hour of sitting in the SS office to have our number called, then it was about 5 minutes and the card showed up in about a week. The biggest hassle was finding the time to go to the SS office as I work all day Mon-Fri and had to take a day off work. Sitting there waiting was mind-numbingly boring, I should have take a book! So yes, you will probably need the card at some point so best to suck it up and just get it over with. As others have mentioned, it will be needed to get the enhanced driver's license that will be required in some states.

We are in Ohio BTW, not sure if every state requires the SS card for a permit but our does.

Enhanced driver license or Real ID compliant? As far as I’ve heard, an enhanced DL/ID is only for US citizens (or nationals) and requires proof of US citizenship. An unrestricted SSN card is for anyone eligible to work in the US, including permanent residents and even temporary visa holders eligible to work.

A permanent resident wouldn’t need Real ID anyways since by definition they would have a (Real ID compliant) green card.

 

[mickman1962]

Lost mine in 1976, have never needed it since. Someday I will get it replaced but nearest office is a 2 hour drive, I'll wait till I NEED it

 

[goofyernmost]

Man, in this day and age... not having a social security card on you can be a major hassle if the ICE gets a thorn up sensitive places. Even for people born in the country. It isn't 1955 anymore.

 

[neverlandsky]

Just re-entered the workforce. I filled out the I-9 and provided physical proof of my driver’s license and my social security card. HR had to sign off as a witness. I chose to provide my SS card due to its size compared to my birth certificate. The SS card was optional as a choice from list C.

Yet as someone who has lost her driver’s license before (before cell phone days), in order to get my driver’s license back I had to provide my birth certificate, marriage certificate, social security card, and proof of physical address.

 

[Kathryn Merteuil]

Could be a problem yes. You can get it replaced though. In a pinch (in many cases), you can use tax documents to prove SSN.

 

[DopeyDame]

Man, in this day and age... not having a social security card on you can be a major hassle if the ICE gets a thorn up sensitive places. Even for people born in the country. It isn't 1955 anymore.

A social security card doesn't prove citizenship, so it will do bupkis for you no matter where ICE's thorn lands.