Social security act card

The current Social Security card consists of specially designed pre-printed banknote paper bearing the words, "Social Security," and the official seal of SSA. The statement, "This number has been established for" is printed across the official seal, in the middle of the card. During the card issuance process, the SSN and the number holder's name are impact printed above and below this statement on card printing equipment operated by SSA.

A signature line and the word "Signature" are preprinted across the bottom of the card, and there is blank space above the signature line for the number holder's signature. Social Security cards issued to certain noncitizens bear the legend, "Valid For Work Only With INS Authorization." Some other noncitizens have cards with the legend, "Not Valid for Employment." When applicable to a particular Social Security card, these legends also are impact printed during the card issuance process.

The back of the card contains information about the SSN and the card itself, including where to mail found cards, where and how to obtain information from SSA, a card stock sequence number, and the card's official form number.

Section 205(c)(2)(G) of the Social Security Act (as amended by section 345 of P.L. 98-21)

required prospectively that new and replacement Social Security cards be made of banknote paper and (to the maximum extent practicable) be a card which cannot be counterfeited. SSA consulted with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the Government Printing Office, and the Secret Service regarding the anti-counterfeiting features to be incorporated in the new card. Since October 1983, the current card incorporates these and a number of other security features appropriate to a paper card format, such as:

• The stock is a blue tint marbleized random pattern. Any attempt to erase or remove data is easily detectable because the tint is erasable. The words "Social Security" are printed in white.
• Planchettes (small multi-colored discs) are randomly placed on the paper stock and can be seen with the naked eye. These yellow, pink, and blue discs can appear anywhere on the card, including the area on the card that contains the seal and identifying information.
• Intaglio printing of the type used in U.S. currency is used for some areas on the front of the card. Intaglio printing on the card provides a "raised effect" and abrasiveness that can be felt when examined by touch. This printing technology is not widely available and is difficult to replicate.
• Other security features not obvious to the naked eye are not publicized