# Social Security Card **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 18, 2012, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-card/619145 "2012-04-18T12:50:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![pohjonen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pohjonen/32/423_2.png) [@pohjonen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pohjonen)\ **Post date:** [April 19, 2012, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-card/619145/41 "2012-04-19T23:37:26Z")
> [@septimus](#): > > I mislaid my card 40 years ago and never got it replaced. But this thread reminds me that I’ll be applying for Soc Sec benefits real soon. Application for Replacement looks tedious, especially since I live overseas. > > Will I actually need the card to get retirement benefits? I applied on line and didn’t have to submit any documents at all. All done from the comfort of home. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-card/619145/42 "2012-04-20T00:39:03Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > I don’t think I’ve ever even seen my Social Security card. I’m 36, and I’m sure my folks must have used it for something, but I’ve never found a purpose for it in my life. Got a passport, have been employed, am married, etc., none of that required my card, so far as I remember. Do you not have an IL driver’s license or state ID? They require the actual physical card now, and have for several years, even for children. They used to just ask for the number, but due to some sort of illegal immigration issue, they’re asking for the actual card. Takes two weeks to get a replacement card from Social Security. Guess how I know? ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-card/619145/43 "2012-04-20T01:46:41Z")
> [@WhyNot](#): > > Do you not have an IL driver’s license or state ID? They require the actual physical card now, and have for several years, even for children. They used to just ask for the number, but due to some sort of illegal immigration issue, they’re asking for the actual card. I do. I had it last renewed about three years ago maybe? (ETA: Issued in July of 2009). Had to go in to the facility to get it (I remember the time before that I just got a sticker extending my license for some five years or something.) Looking at it, the current one expires on my birthday in 2013. So I’m gonna need my SS card next time I go in, huh. ETA2: [According to the website (PDF)](http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_x173.pdf), only the old drivers license is required for renewal. Nothing about an SS card there. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-card/619145/44 "2012-04-20T01:50:47Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > I do. I had it last renewed about three years ago maybe? (ETA: Issued in July of 2009). Had to go in to the facility to get it (I remember the time before that I just got a sticker extending my license for some five years or something.) Looking at it, the current one expires on my birthday in 2013. So I’m gonna need my SS card next time I go in, huh. > > ETA2: [According to the website (PDF)](http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_x173.pdf), only the old drivers license is required for renewal. Nothing about an SS card there. Could be for a renewal. I’ve had to deal with several address changes, so that may change the requirements. Don’t know. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-card/619145/45 "2012-04-20T01:55:30Z")
> [@WhyNot](#): > > Could be for a renewal. I’ve had to deal with several address changes, so that may change the requirements. Don’t know. Yeah, it seems to say that if no changes are required, you just need to show your own license. But to change the info, you need a bunch of documents, and one of them is proof of your social security number. However, it need not be satisfied with a social security card. Any of the following will do: > [@](#): > > • Illinois Driver’s License Record > • Illinois ID Card Record > • Military Service Record (DD214) > • Social Security Award Letter(primary beneficiary only) > • Social Security Card (issued by SSA) > • U.S. Military Driver’s License/ID Card > > Group C documents must contain the applicant’s name > and full Social Security Number. If using an Illinois driver’s license or ID record, the Social Security Number > must have been previously verified with the SSA. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2012, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-card/619145/46 "2012-04-20T02:02:51Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > Yeah, it seems to say that if no changes are required, you just need to show your own license. But to change the info, you need a bunch of documents, and one of them is proof of your social security number. However, it need not be satisfied with a social security card. Any of the following will do: Heh. Any of the following will do in theory. In actuality, it’s a bizarre rite of blind appeal to capricious gods. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve had documents on the list, pointed to them on the sign, and the guy tells me I don’t have the required documentation, and several hours later I go back with the same things and he lets me through. (Actually, I can…3 times.) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-security-card/619145.md?page=2)