Guard Your Card: Protect What's Important To You

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. In fact, in most cases, just
knowing the Social Security number should be enough. In 49 states and the District of Columbia, a
Social Security card isn’t required to request a Real ID. Only Pennsylvania requires it.

Please be careful about sharing your number when
asked for it. You should always ask why
your number is needed, how it will be used, and what will happen if you refuse.
Also, you shouldn’t carry documents that
display your number.

If you need a replacement Social Security card, we
make it easy. You may be able to use a
personal my Social Security account to request a
replacement on our website. If you live
in one of 46 participating states or the District of Columbia, and are
requesting a replacement card with no changes, like a name change, you can use
our free online service at www.ssa.gov/myaccount/replacement-card.html.

Visit our Social Security Number and
Card page at www.ssa.gov/ssnumber
to learn more about your Social Security card.

Please read our factsheet, How You Can Help
Us Protect Your Social Security Number and Keep Your Information Safe,
at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10220.pdf

Our Guard
Your Card infographic at, www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/assets/EN-05-10553.pdf,
is another great resource to understand whether you need to show your card.

Please share these resources with your friends, and
family – and post them on social media.