Guard Your Card: Protect What’s Important to You
Reading Time: 1 MinuteLast Updated: June 5, 2025
For your protection, we urge you not to carry your Social Security card unless it is needed. The best way to “Guard Your Card” is to keep it in a safe place and share it only when required, which is rare.
In fact, in most cases, just knowing your Social Security number should be enough.
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 with you that display your Social Security number.
For more safety tips, please read our factsheet, How You Can Help Us Protect Your Social Security Number and Keep Your Information Safe. Our Guard Your Card infographic is another great resource to understand when you need to show your card.
If you need a replacement Social Security card, we make it easy. Visit our Social Security number & card page and answer a few questions to determine the best way to apply. You may be able to start – and possibly complete – the application process online. If you need to visit a Social Security or card center, you may have the option to self-schedule an appointment online to show your required documents and finish the process. If you are unable to self-schedule an appointment online, please contact us to make an appointment before coming into an office.
For information about changing your name on your Social Security card due to marriage, read our blog post.
Please share this with your friends and family – and post on social media.
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Tags: Social Security card, social security number
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Buca A.
No one should know our Social Security number except ourselves. So what could happen if they did? If it could cause us terrible things, isn’t there another solution? buca
Annie O.
Good information, but sometimes SSA has itself been an obstacle. One of my kids has loss the card a couple of times with all the things it’s needed for, so I told child to leave the card on the little half-page it came in so it was easier to find in the safeguarded documents where we stored such things. SSA worker looked at it and promptly scissored it out with her nail while telling me that was what you were supposed to do because “then it fits in your wallet.” This was a while back; hopefully the education efforts include SSA workers as well
Nancy
This article was very helpful, however, when I clicked on the Yes button nothing happened. I just wanted you to know that the article was helpful.
MsE
I should have asked the dental office why they need my ssn on that form. How they will use my ssn and what will happen if I refuse to give it. So often drs offices ask for it and I better start asking those three questions. Thank you for this. One time PayPal asked for it. I said no and cancelled PayPal.
Chad W.
I am happy to do what I need to do to keep my information safe. But I do not have any faith in the fact that our information is secure or has not been compromised by DOGE.
Cheryl S.
I feel the same. For years we have been told to guard and protect our ss numbers. Now the court says DOGE can have access. How is this possible?
LC
I received a Social Security Matters email today. The ‘Visit the Blog” link should take me to this article.
It does not. It takes me to the home page of the Blog.
Susan B.
Thank you SSA for this important info. People ofter request this number when it clearly is NOT necessary for the business at hand. Thank you for clarifying each citizen’s right to protect their most private/personal information.
Md R.
I am very happy one chance me
Amine M.
Tech.Viabilité