As Americans started to get COVID-19 vaccination cards last year, many folks thought of laminating the proof of vaccination to keep it safe.
As it turns out, that was a bad idea. And the same is true for your Social Security card.
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The Social Security Administration offers a succinct warning:
"Do not laminate your card. Lamination prevents detection of many security features. However, you may cover the card with plastic or other removable material if it does not damage the card."
Take that admonition as more than just friendly advice. The SSA says the agency "cannot guarantee the validity of a card" once it has been laminated.
If you already have laminated a card, you can request a replacement. However, you will first need to return the laminated card before the SSA can process your request. You can call your local Social Security Administration office for more tips on how to return and replace your laminated card.
But before you make such a request, note that the SSA says that many people do not need a card and that simply knowing your Social Security number is good enough for most transactions where your number is needed.
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