Understanding Social Security: Guard your 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. In most cases, just knowing your 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 your personal "my Social Security" account to request a replacement on our website. If you live in any of the 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.

Read our fact sheet, 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.

The Harrisburg office is at 18 Veterans Drive.