Can you use your Social Security card as a form of ID?

Asked by: Genoveva Herman PhD  |  Last update: September 2, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (52 votes)

Your Social Security card is not an identification document and, in many situations, you only need to know your Social Security number (you do not need to show the physical card). Do You Need to Show Your Social Security Card? You do not need your Social Security card, you only need to know your Social Security number.

Can Social Security card be used for ID?

The only documents acceptable for visual verification of your SSN for original REAL ID applications are originals of the following: A social security card. A W-2 form. A SSA-1099 form.

What can be used as ID?

national identity card. travel document. birth or adoption certificate or certificate of registry of birth.

Can I use my Social Security card for a real ID?

Q: Do applicants still need to bring in their social security card when applying for a REAL ID? States may choose to require applicants to present documentation containing their social security number but are not required to do so.

What is an example of 2 valid ID?

A government issued ID

You can bring your driver's license, state issued ID or passport as proof of your identity. If you need to obtain a driver's license or state issued ID, there are some hints on how to obtain below.

How to Apply for Social Security Number/SSN/USA/Requirements/Online/Experience/K1 Visa

16 related questions found

How to prove address without bills?

Pay stubs. Mail or printed electronic statements from a federal, state, county, or city government agency. Current documents issued by the US Military or Veterans Administration indicating residential address.

Can I use my Social Security card as ID for a job?

Form I-9 restrictions

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, “Your employee must be allowed to choose what documentation to present from either List A or List C.” An unrestricted Social Security card is an acceptable List C document.

Can you use a REAL ID instead of a passport?

While a passport can be used as your form of identification when flying domestically, a REAL ID allows you to leave your passport at home (as long as you're not leaving th U.S.). Learn more about flying domestically with a REAL ID from the TSA.

Which is an indicator of a false ID?

Lifted corners may be a sign of a fake ID. Check and feel the front and back of the ID for bumps, ridges and irregularities, feel for information that may be cut out or pasted on, especially near the photo and date of birth.

What can I use if I don't have ID?

What can be used if you don't have a photo ID? You can use secondary IDs, such as birth certificates, voter registration cards, or employee work IDs. However, you must submit at least two of them and sometimes more than that may be needed for the authorities to confirm your identity.

What can be used to verify ID?

Examples include a driver's license, Social Security card, valid passport, or military ID. Some organizations may accept a non-government identification, such as a university ID.

What is not a commonly accepted form of ID?

A university-issued school ID is NOT a commonly accepted form of ID in many states. This is because the Real ID Act of 2005 and various state laws typically require a more standardized form of identification, such as a state-issued driver's license, a federally-issued passport, or a federally-issued military ID.

What can I use as an ID?

Full or provisional driving licence. Blue badge. Certain concessionary travel cards, such as an older person's bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card. Identity card with Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) mark.

Does social count as an ID?

Identity documents in the United States include: State-issued driver's license or identity card. Social security card (or social security number)

What is a non-photo ID?

Common forms of non-photo IDs accepted include documents like utility bills, bank statements, or government-issued documents that display the voter's name and address. This contrasts with photo ID requirements, where only identification with a picture is valid, such as driver's licenses or state-issued photo IDs.

Can you fly without an ID?

In the event you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification (whether lost, stolen, or otherwise), you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name and current address to confirm your identity.

What happens if you don't have a valid ID for a passport?

You must submit at least two secondary documents if you can't provide a primary photo ID. Secondary forms of identification include: Social Security card. Medicare (or other health insurance) card.

What do the 4 stars on a passport card mean?

The star is associated with the 'risk factor', so which means it indicates the security check. You may have to go through more security check while entering when there are more stars on your card.

Can I use my Social Security as my ID?

Your Social Security card is not an identification document and, in many situations, you only need to know your Social Security number (you do not need to show the physical card).

What works as two forms of ID?

In most situations, a driver's license/state ID will suffice for any US ID requirement, particularly a Real ID compliant one, so the basic ID card will be a driver's license or a state ID card. A good candidate for the second ID is a birth certificate.

Is SSN an employee ID?

Employee IDs are not the same thing as a Social Security number (SSN). While SSNs are a valid form of identifying individuals, this is sensitive personal information that may make individuals vulnerable to identity theft if used as an employee ID.

What is the easiest proof of address?

Any residential contract can be used to prove where you live. This is the easiest document to get if you've recently moved. Even if you haven't received any mail yet, you still have (or can easily get) a copy of your lease or mortgage contract.

What counts as a government issued ID?

Approved Forms of Government Issued Photo ID:

Driver's License (U.S. state issued including U.S. Territories) Non-Driver Photo ID (U.S. state issued including U.S. Territories) U.S. Passport. U.S. Passport Card.

What is an alternative proof of address?

Accepted documents include various utility bills, insurance documents, credit card statements, government correspondence, tenancy agreements, and employer letters, all needing to meet specific criteria for validity.