So years ago I had the brilliant idea to laminate my Social Security card, and now the DMV won't accept it for RealID documentation because of the lamination. If I go to the social security office with my birth certificate and driver's license to get a replacement social security card, do they keep the birth certificate or do they just look at it?
Replacement card question
- Thread starter imaref
- Start date
Tech
Well-Known Member
If there is no name change, you may be able to request one online. If you go to the office, they don't keep the birth certificate but will keep your old card.
John Z
if you will
I guess I got lucky. My Social Security card has been laminated for 35+ years, and they "accepted" it just fine at the MVA when I used it to get my MD License/Real ID on 26 Dec 2018.
I had the same brilliant idea back in the 1980s. I suppose I was thinking I'd be carrying that card in my wallet for the rest of my life and needed to ensure it was protected from wear and tear.
Hey, for you younger folk: Are Social Security cards fancy and complicated now? I see this from the Social Security website: "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." What security features does a modern card have? Mine is just a piece of heavy paper with ye olde printing of my name and SSN.
I had the same brilliant idea back in the 1980s. I suppose I was thinking I'd be carrying that card in my wallet for the rest of my life and needed to ensure it was protected from wear and tear.
Hey, for you younger folk: Are Social Security cards fancy and complicated now? I see this from the Social Security website: "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." What security features does a modern card have? Mine is just a piece of heavy paper with ye olde printing of my name and SSN.
You can order a new SSN Card online. You have to create an account and answer all sorts of questions to verify you are you, but I did it recently. If you need it right away, can you just remove the laminate? Usually the laminate doesn't actually adhere to the card itself, it just melts together around the edge. Can you take a razor blade and carefully cut along one of the corners or edges to expose a little separation between the layers and then remove it?
awpitt
Main Streeter
As was mentioned, you can set up an online account on the Social Security Website then use that account to have a new card mailed to you. As far as the DMV goes, for Real ID they will also accept a copy of your most recent W-2 that has your SSN on it or even a recent pay stub, if it has your SSN on it.
Clem72
Well-Known Member
I find it odd that they take a suggestion from the SSA about laminating (they say don't do it, but it does not invalidate the card and it isn't illegal or anything to do it), but then they specifically break the other requirement written on the card "Not to be used for Identification".
My card doesn't say do not laminate (probably because of age), but it does say not to be used for identification. And I laminated it sometime in the 80s as well (back when even the damn bowling alley would ask to see your social security number to rent a locker).
My card doesn't say do not laminate (probably because of age), but it does say not to be used for identification. And I laminated it sometime in the 80s as well (back when even the damn bowling alley would ask to see your social security number to rent a locker).
awpitt
Main Streeter
Clem72
Well-Known Member
Then why do they ask to see it? It's not proof of residency, it's not proof of citizenship, it's not proof of anything.
Chris0nllyn
Well-Known Member
It's for proof of social security. One of the three Real ID requirements. Age and Identity, Social Security, and MD Residency.
Clem72
Well-Known Member
Good enough. So if you don't have a SS# you can't get a Real ID (there are legal citizens, even those born here who do not have a SS#, IE the Amish and the Mennonites)?
Grumpy
Well-Known Member
I had lost mine in my late teens and never replaced it until a contract I was working was under audit and I had to produce it. Early 90s and I sat in the SSA office in DC for hours until I got it taken care of.
awpitt
Main Streeter
That's what I did be cause my SS card was laminated. I've since set up an online account so I could get a new card.
I've never missed having one....
awpitt
Main Streeter
awpitt
Main Streeter
Me neither. Except when I needed it for joining the Navy.
Yep..a W-2 works just fine.
Something I find amusing, since that's such an easy thing to create.
GWguy
*
Agree. A lot of the docs they ask for can be fabricated.
No current W-2, so I will use my SSA-1099. Appt for RealID Sat morning.