Social Security cards as ID.

[SheilaT]

I'm reading various threads where people are saying they're having to produce a SS card as part of their proof of citizenship.

My original Social Security card, issued in 1964, says on it, right below my signature, FOR SOCIAL SECURITY AND TAX PURPOSES -- NOT FOR IDENTIFICATION.

The all caps are in the original.

One other small point. I signed that card nearly fifty years ago. Over time my signature has changed a great deal. I would be hard pressed to duplicate that old signature.

[CBGLuthier]

1. I have not had a SS card for 35 years.

Hope no one asks for it because I sure as hell am not about to get one now. I know my number WTF do I need a card?

[MineralMan]

4. Get one. Seriously.

If you get a mortgage, you have to show it. We refinanced and I had to head to the SS office to get a replacement. These days, having an actual card is essential, as you'll find out one of these days. Many states require you to show it when you renew your driver's licence, too. Minnesota doesn't, but they check the federal database system for your number.

It's one of those documents you definitely should have on hand. If you need it and don't have it, it takes about two weeks to get a replacement.

[Gormy Cuss]

10. I wasn't asked for it at refi.

A state ID was sufficient. Of course in this state you also need to leave your thumbprint as part of the process, but no SS card.

I have two SS cards: one like the OP's which clearly states that it's not to be used for ID and one that I obtained much later so that I could sign it as an adult.

[MineralMan]

12. The refi we got was a federal HARP program loan.

Apparently, that was one of the requirements to qualify. Surprised me, too. The amount of documentation required was stunning. Fortunately, I had all of it, except for the SS#. They even required a birth certificate for both of us.

[CBGLuthier]

11. I have a mortgage. No problem.

The card was not supposed to be used as ID. I have never had anyone insist I need one. I wonder why you had to get one when I didn't and I have had three different mortgages in my life.

[gollygee]

15. We just got a home equity loan for a home project and I didn't need one

I have no idea where my social security card is. Absolutely none. If I get a new card, don't I end up with a new number? I can't handle that.

[Politicalboi]

27. Yes that is how Obama has a different SSI #

LOL! No, they do NOT change your number. That is your number till your number comes up.

[REP]

28. I didn't need mine for a new mortgage I took out last year in California

This was a brand-new loan, not a refi though.

[rock]

29. I haven't had the card for 40 years or so

nor needed it.

P.S. I'm retired now and on social security. Nope, didn't need the card for that either.

[AnotherDreamWeaver]

13. Here in California I had to get one to renew my drivers license

My old drivers license wasn't enough. My new card came with the notice: "DO NOT CARRY THIS CARD WITH YOU." Do not laminate.

[NMDemDist2]

19. I need one whenever I fill out a I-9 form

so as long as you don't get a new job .......

[CBGLuthier]

21. I filled out I 9s all the time. Never needed it.

Just because you CAN use it does not mean you HAVE to use it.

[Cleita]

2. When I was a bartender a social security card was not considered an ID.

It was used solely to hand to an employer so they could deduct FICA from your check. When they sent your money to the SS then your number from your card would insure that your SS account was credited. It's never an ID. The best ID for proof of citizenship is a passport. It seems if states are going to insist on this then they need to issue passports in the future to all citizens without charge when they are born.

[kestrel91316]

3. Mine is from 1968 or 69, and my signature is that of an 11 yo, lol.

(My sister and I got cards when my dad, career USAF officer, went to Vietnam - not sure why we did)

And yes, it clearly states it is NOT for identification. DUH. It has no photo or description at all. Anyone could swipe it and say it was theirs if they were the correct gender (and some names are unisex).

[Nevernose]

5. They're also the easiest ID to forge

FWIW.

[Butterbean]

7. Yes, and I am very uncomfortable with sharing my number with anyone anywhere.

I will write "private" in the area asking for my SSN if it's not a tax form. It's nobody else's damned business, and identity theft is too real and too easy. Hell no, I don't want SS cards to be used as ID.

[muriel_volestrangler]

6. It's not proof of citizenship, is it?

I had one, when I was working legally in the USA, but was not a US citizen. I don't remember it saying "not a US citizen" on it.

[SheilaT]

8. I know a woman who came here with

her mother when she was about ten, from a European country. Never got U.S. citizenship. She has a SS card, however.

[gollygee]

16. I know a few non-citizen US residents who have social security cards

So, no.

[ProdigalJunkMail]

9. you can thank the Real ID Act for that one... n/t

[Romulox]

14. In Michigan, you need a SS number to renew your driving license. nt

[gollygee]

17. I've never needed one for that

Is this new?

[Romulox]

18. No expert, but you will likely need to for your next renewal. Last year was the first time

I was required to show SS too.

I think it's part of "Real ID".

http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1627_53354_53441-130358--,00.html

[gollygee]

22. Oh yeah, my sister just got one of those

*SIGH* I guess I'll have to get a new card.

[NYC Liberal]

20. I once did a "paid audience member"

thing for a TV show. Before we went in they wanted us to write down our names phone numbers and social security number on a piece of paper. People actually did it! I told them no way and after I insisted they said "Well I guess you don't really need to."

[aquart]

23. Americans were promised the SS card would NEVER be used for ID.

So insists my 91-year-old Mom.

[HopeHoops]

25. She's correct. The promise was to stave off warnings of biblical line "the people shall be numbered.

We WERE numbered and continue to be. They're using RFID chips in pets (and have been for a long time), schools are starting to put them in student ID cards, and many people advocate chipping newborns the way they do pets. Germany came the closest to doing it in a visual way, but there's no difference with electronic numbering.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

26. Your 91 year old mom is absolutely right. How soon power-hungry youth (30-60 yr olds) forget.

[HopeHoops]

24. Yeah, and mine issued in '63 says the same thing, but I still need it to get a driver's license.

I almost wish it WAS a photo ID because I looked like every other damn baby in the hospital ward that morning. I sure as hell don't now. Hell, I don't even look like I did on my first driver's license. I look like fucking Tommy Chong now. I could barely grow peach fuzz in 10th grade.

[dawg]

30. How long before they decide to require some kind of mark?