Why aren't Social Security cards laminated and signed like driver's licenses and ID cards?

Question

It would be easier to prevent identity theft if Social Security cards had thumb prints and photo IDs on them (and laminated, too). Someone from the Social Security office would then be able to tell an identity thief from the real person.

If an identity thief got ahold of a regular SS card, he/she can do anything with that number on the card.

So why aren't SS cards treated like driver's licenses and IDs?

Answer 1

Social Security numbers are only suppose to be used for identification by people who will be paying social security taxes into your social security account. It was never intended to be a national ID used by credit cards, mortgage companies or anyone else.

In fact, it is against federal law to do so. Despite that, everyone does it. That is why every company who uses a social security number as an ID bears full responsibility for security problems and identity theft when an SSN is used.

Answer 2

Its actually illegal to laminate your SS card. I'm not sure why. I think that its easier to see / verify the signature if the card is not laminated.
It probably is also because they are easily destructable and very difficult to replace if you are not the true owner.

Answer 3

You need those proofs of id but you cannot show the dmv a copy. You have to have the originals to show as proof.

Answer 4

...because Democrats don't want their future (and current) voting base of illegal immigrants to have a more difficult time making fake SS cards.