Is it okay to keep your Social Security card in your wallet?
Asked by: Dr. Freda Beer | Last update: October 23, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (39 votes)
Where is the safest place to keep your Social Security card?
Safe deposit box
Most banks or credit unions offer safe deposit boxes. Some banks will offer a discount if you're a current customer as well. A safe deposit box is perfect for storing original documents, like birth certificates, wills, social security information, annual tax returns, and power of attorney.
How to safely store a Social Security card?
Social Security cards
Keep your social security card locked up in a safe at home. Don't carry it around with you in your wallet, as that's an easy way to have it, and your identity, stolen. See our picks for the best identity theft protection services.
Where to put a Social Security card in a wallet?
Never carry your social security card in your wallet.
Leave your card at home in a secure place.
Should I keep my ID in my wallet?
The most important thing in your wallet is your identification, which could be a state ID card if you don't drive or a driver's license if you do. The police or another person can contact you or your family using your ID if you are hurt and unable to speak.
Former SSA Insider: Lost Social Security Card?
Should you keep your social in your wallet?
Carrying your Social Security Card puts you at unnecessary risk if your wallet is lost or stolen. Even though you may need your physical Social Security card in select scenarios, in most cases, it's perfectly sufficient to provide your number (or the last four digits) verbally.
Where should I keep my ID card?
When you're not wearing your ID card on a lanyard or bade reel, keep it in a safe place. This might be in your purse or backpack or in the place where you keep your wallet, keys and other essentials. By identifying a regular place to leave your ID card when it's not in use, you'll ensure you don't misplace your card.
Where should you put your Social Security card?
Lock away your Social Security card: Your Social Security card belongs in a fireproof safe in your home, not in your wallet. Why? Because if someone stole your wallet, he'd be able to steal your identity, too. And don't leave your card or any other personal information sitting out where others can see it.
What happens if you lose your Social Security card in your wallet?
Print an application and fill it out, then take the application and documents to the Social Security office. Your new card will be mailed directly to you. Depending on your situation, you may be able to apply for a replacement card online.
What cards do I put in my wallet?
- Scale back on cash. ...
- Only carry your health insurance or Medicare card when needed. ...
- Remove blank checks. ...
- Carry one credit card and one debit card. ...
- Take out your house key. ...
- Never carry your Social Security card. ...
- Only carry gift cards when you're going to use them.
Is it illegal to carry your Social Security card?
No, and neither should you. Your social security card should be kept in a secure location in your house for the very rare cases when you need it, for example when you are proving employability at a new job.
Where do you store important documents at home?
So, what you want to do is store those incredibly important documents — in a fireproof safe (our preference) or a safety deposit box (slightly less convenient because you can only access it when they're open).
What are the requirements for storing SSN?
The data should be encrypted to add another layer of security. Servers, tape and disk back-ups, and other electronic storage devices containing SSNs must reside in restricted and secure physical locations. Documents and forms containing SSNs must be stored in secure drawers/cabinets with appropriate security.
Has my SSN been leaked?
Review your credit reports
When reviewing your credit reports, look for any unfamiliar activity, including new lines of credit or loans in your name that you didn't request. If you find anything suspicious, it could be a sign that your SSN was compromised and used to commit identity theft.
Where should I hide my Social Security card?
Leave Your Card at Home
Don't carry your Social Security card around with you in your wallet or purse. Don't enter your SSN into your phone, laptop, or other devices. It would be rare for you to need your card.
Where should you keep your passport at home?
Many people store their passports in a safety deposit box or filing cabinet at home. However, there are a lot of risks, costs, and inconveniences attached to each of these options. The most intelligent way to protect your passport is to store it in your safe.
Should I keep my Social Security card in my wallet?
Sullivan says your Social Security card and any identification or documents that include your Social Security number are perfect examples of what not to keep in your wallet. Those nine digits could make it easier for a fraudster to open loans or credit card accounts in your name.
Can someone steal your identity if you lose your Social Security card?
Yes, anyone can steal your identity if you lose your Social Security card because you're providing them with the information they need to open new accounts, receive fraudulent tax refunds, take out loans, and much more.
Is it safe to take a picture of your Social Security card?
Even if you did not use the Social Security Number (SSN), photographing the card without permission may still be a breach of privacy or could potentially be interpreted as gathering personal identifying information without consent.
Where should I place my IDs?
- Behind the firewall. Every company, no matter the size or configuration, should have a firewall. ...
- Within your firewall. Integrate the two systems to ensure monitoring of attacks as they enter the network.
- On your network. Ensure that an attack within your server doesn't spread with this approach.
Where do you put your ID card?
Lanyards are one of the easiest ways to display an ID card to onlookers and ensure high visibility. They're extremely common for volunteers, club members, and visitors. Many organizations order custom lanyards to improve branding efforts, and to make employees even easier to identify.
Where should I store my SSN?
You can also use a home safe. If you live in a low-crime area, you might even use a fireproof storage bag or box. You want to keep them where you can get them when needed, but not in a location anyone can find. My mother used a fireproof cash box she kept on a shelf under a pile of clothing.
Should you keep your ID in your wallet?
Key Takeaways. You should only keep items you need in your wallet, like your driver's license, credit and debit cards, and your health insurance card. On the other hand, you should avoid carrying items like your Social Security card and your birth certificate with you unless you need other forms of ID.
Should I keep my Social Security card?
We encourage you not to carry your Social Security card with you every day. The best way to “Guard Your Card” is to keep it in a safe place and share it only when required, which is rare.