We issue three types of Social Security cards. All cards show your name and Social Security number.
- Shows your name and Social Security number and lets you work without restriction.
We issue it to:- U.S. citizens; and
- People lawfully admitted to the United States on a permanent basis.
- Shows your name and number and notes, “VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION.” We issue this type of card to people lawfully admitted to the United States on a temporary basis who have DHS authorization to work.
- Shows your name and number and notes, “NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT.”
We issue it to people from other countries:- Who are lawfully admitted to the United States without work authorization from DHS, but with a valid nonwork reason for needing a Social Security number; or
- Who need a number because of a federal law requiring a Social Security number to get a benefit or service.
