Is it against the law to laminate your social security card?
Asked by: Hosea Walter | Last update: June 18, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (70 votes)
Can I legally laminate my Social Security card?
If you laminate the card, most government agencies will consider it invalid, and make you get a replacement before they'll accept it for identification.
Can an employer accept a laminated Social Security card?
Documents that Establish Employment Authorization
Social Security account number card that is unrestricted. A laminated card is acceptable. A card that includes any of the following restrictive wording is not an acceptable List C document: NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT.
Will the DMV accept a laminated Social Security card?
However, the acceptance of a laminated Social Security card can depend on the policies and practices of your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or licensing agency. To ensure that your laminated Social Security card will be accepted, I recommend contacting your local DMV or licensing agency directly.
What can you not laminate?
While you should not laminate items such as thermal paper, original legal documents or certificates, and sensitive historical documents or photos, lamination can protect virtually any other document.
Is It Illegal To Laminate Your Social Security Card? - CountyOffice.org
Which document must not be laminated?
Government Documents
Since these are unique, they should not be laminated and simply kept in a plastic pouch. For example, a laminated birth certificate may not be permissible in court, so look into the government documents you are thinking about putting clear covers on.
Is it legal to laminate your Medicare card?
The Medicare card is a sensitive document, but it's important enough that you should keep it nearby. While you are technically allowed to laminate your Medicare card, the Social Security Administration does not recommend it. Laminating your card can compromise some of the security features of the Medicare card.
What makes a SS card invalid?
Invalid Social Security Cards
If the back of the Social Security Card states that the card is invalid if laminated or unsigned, and is laminated or unsigned then that card is invalid and cannot be accepted.
How do I remove lamination from my Social Security card?
Place the card on a solid surface and put a piece of cloth over it. Heat your iron and press the iron over the cloth for several seconds. The heat loosens the plastic from the card. Peel it away using a razor to lift the plastic and a slow hand to work the lamination off the card.
Are you allowed to use a copy or laminated version of your Social Security card for identification purposes in PA?
Social Security Card
Social security cards be laminated or unlaminated but must be original – no photocopies will be accepted. *Please note that the name on your social security card MUST match the name on your proof of identity document.
Is it legal for an employer to ask for a copy of your Social Security card?
According to the IRS, an employer needs to acquire the name and social security number for every employee and enter them on the employee's W-2 form by requesting the employee to show you their Social Security Card. The employer may make a photocopy of the card as the preferred method as it prevents errors.
Is it illegal to laminate your birth certificate?
Laminating a Birth Certificate May Invalidate It
Different states may use different paper, polymers, or other material for their official documents, and some may add a raised embossed stamp or other marks. In some cases, you may have to obtain an apostille birth certificate, for example, for immigration purposes.
How to protect an SSN card?
- Don't carry your Social Security card around with you. ...
- Keep your Social Security card and number in a safe place. ...
- Avoid sharing your number unless it's required. ...
- Beware of phone and email scams. ...
- Create strong passwords. ...
- Shred documents that feature personal information.
Can I laminate my ID card?
Laminating your ID cards will make them last longer.
Adding durability to ID credentials is essentially the purpose of using lamination. Laminated credentials have been proven to last longer than non-laminated credentials in standard use.
Is it illegal to laminate your insurance card?
While not illegal, the Social Security Administration advises that you do not laminate your Medicare card. Lamination may prevent detection of security features.
Can you laminate your marriage license?
If you ever need to make a change to the certificate, such as a name change, it can be difficult to do so if the certificate is laminated. This can be especially true if the lamination is thick, as it may be difficult to remove. For all of these reasons, it is best to avoid laminating your marriage certificate.
Is it a felony to laminate your Social Security card?
It's important to note that laminating your card is not illegal, so if you've already laminated it, you won't face any criminal penalties or fines. It's just strongly recommended that you don't laminate the card.
Can you unlaminate a card?
You can use heated iron, hair dryer, or a heat gun to remove the laminated layer.
How do I remove lamination from my ID?
Well, you can start by placing a rag or piece of cloth over the plastic, so that it doesn't melt, and the heat from the iron will warm the plastic. Once the iron has ran over the cloth a few times, the steam from the iron will help peel the lamination off from the paper.
How much is a metal Social Security card worth?
The first cards were of paper. The metal cards were made by private companies and there are countless varieties - from the "official" (appearing) to the comical. These are considered novelty items, by and large and sell in the range of $20-$30 for older examples (pre-1960's) in excellent condition.
What is a restricted Social Security card?
A RESTRICTED Social Security card (as pictured below) is not an acceptable List C document. Restricted Social Security cards are stamped with one of the following restrictions: “VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION” “VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH INS AUTHORIZATION” “NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT”
What is the letter H on the back of my Social Security card?
It's not the number that you look up it's the letter. All letters on the back of social security cards is linked to a certain Federal Reserve Bank for example The letter H. Is for a Federal Reserve Bank in St.
Does laminating a Social Security card invalidate it?
Policy on laminating an SSN card. Instruct holders not to laminate their SSN card because lamination can prevent detection of security features on the card. When possible, tell SSN applicants in advance that SSA cannot guarantee the validity of a card that has been laminated.
How do you get disqualified from Medicare?
Mandatory exclusions: OIG is required by law to exclude from participation in all Federal health care programs individuals and entities convicted of the following types of criminal offenses: Medicare or Medicaid fraud, as well as any other offenses related to the delivery of items or services under Medicare, Medicaid, ...
Should you carry your Medicare card in your wallet?
Carry your Medicare card with you when you're away from home. Show your Medicare card to your doctor, hospital, or other health care provider when you get services. If you have a Medicare drug plan or supplemental coverage, carry that plan card with you too.