Why not laminate Social Security card?
Asked by: Dr. Jamil Streich MD | Last update: January 3, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (40 votes)
Why aren't you supposed to laminate your Social Security card?
The most likely explanation is that Congress has not appropriated funds for the equipment to make and mail the cards. Making plastic cards requires different equipment than what is required for making paper ones. Then on top of that, the paper cards are easily inserted into envelopes. 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. Documents that Establish Employment AuthorizationWhy are Social Security cards still paper?
Will the DMV accept a laminated Social Security card?
Can an employer accept a laminated Social Security card?
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.
Why you should never laminate your social security card
Why are laminated documents not accepted?
IT FLATTENS SECURITY MARKS/SEAL: Some certificates contain prints, security seals, marks or stamps; when laminated, such certificates or documents is totally flattened out. Some organization, foreign institutes are so serious about these seals, flatten documents may not be easily verifiable or approved.
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.
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.
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.
What if my birth certificate is laminated?
If you have laminated your birth certificate, you will find that government agencies and private organizations may not accept it as proof of identity and/or citizenship and consider it an invalid birth certificate.
What does the G on my Social Security card mean?
The group number (G), or second set of digits, refers to the specific order in which SSNs are distributed within a geographical area from 01 to 99. First, odd numbers are assigned from 01 to 09 followed by even numbers from 10 to 98.
Is it legal for an employer to make a copy of your Social Security card?
The tax guide states that after an employee is hired, you should ask to see his or her Social Security card. The employee may show the card if it is available. You may, but are not required to, photocopy the card.
How much is my Social Security number worth?
The Reality. There is no monetary value to a birth certificate or a social security number/EIN, and TreasuryDirect accounts must be funded by the owner (from the owner's personal bank account) to have any value.
Why do they make Social Security cards out of paper?
Not only do paper Social Security cards lessen the chances that someone will find an intact card on the street, but the SSA noted that other security features are more appropriate to a paper card format, such as: A blue tint marbleized random pattern. Attempts to erase or remove data are easily detectable.
Why are you not supposed to laminate your medicare card?
Medicare and the Social Security Administration (SSA) advise against laminating a Medicare card or other official document, such as a Social Security card. This is because lamination may interfere with the card's security features, such as the ability to scan certain details or detect tampering.
Why you should not carry your Social Security card?
Your Social Security number is the holy grail for identity thieves. It's the key that unlocks access to your entire financial life. Carrying your Social Security Card puts you at unnecessary risk if your wallet is lost or stolen.
Is a laminated Social Security card invalid?
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.
What are the signs of a fake Social Security card?
Common Indicators of Fake SSNs
The first three digits (AAA) should not be “000,” “666” or fall between “900-999.” The middle two digits (GG) should not be “00.” And the last four digits (SSSS) should not be “0000.” Unusual Formatting. Missing digits, extra digits, or incorrect hyphen placement.
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.
Is it OK to laminate your Social Security card?
Do not laminate your card. Lamination prevents detection of many security features. However, you may cover the card with plastic or other removable material if it does not damage the card.
Is it safe to remove lamination?
Lamination removal is a process that requires utmost attention and care. Laminate has to be removed without any residual glue on the documents. Partially delaminate documents can damage it and make it looks like forged ones. If not done in the right way, it will result in the permanent damage of your documents.
How to get a plastic Social Security card?
In most cases, you can request a replacement Social Security card online through your My Social Security account. This is the quickest and most convenient option.
What is the difference between enhanced driver's license and REAL ID?
State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses and identification cards (EDL/EID) are designated as acceptable border-crossing documents by DHS under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and are an acceptable alternative to a REAL ID for boarding a commercial aircraft, accessing federal facilities, and entering nuclear ...
Can you laminate your ID?
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.
What two forms of ID can I use for employment?
State-issued driver's license or ID. State-issued photo ID card. U.S. military ID card. U.S. military dependent's ID card.