Alexei Volkov
Social Security cards are currently made from banknote paper, which is more durable than the cardboard that was used prior to 1983. The paper format allows for security features that deter counterfeiting, such as a blue, marbleized background tint, intaglio print, and randomly placed yellow, pink, and blue planchettes. However, the current cards are delicate and easily damaged, leading some people to consider laminating them for protection. While there have been discussions about developing a prototype Social Security card made of counterfeit-resistant and tamper-resistant materials like plastic or polyester, no changes have been implemented as of 2016.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Cardboard (in the past), banknote paper (current) |
| Durability | Delicate, fragile |
| Security features | Blue, marbleized background tint, intaglio print, yellow/pink/blue planchettes |
| Prototype options | Plastic, polyester |
| Additional security features | Special fibres or taggants, optical storage technology, microprocessors |
| Other considerations | Cost implications, workload, functionality, technological enhancements |
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What You'll Learn
Social Security Cards are made of paper, not plastic
Social Security Cards are currently made of paper, specifically banknote paper, and not plastic. This is despite the fact that they are intended to last a lifetime and are needed to secure a job or obtain a driver's license. The switch from cardboard to banknote paper was made in 1983 to implement several security features.
The blue, marbleized background tint on the card is erasable, making any attempts to change the information obvious. The intaglio print has raised lettering that can be felt by touch and is used because it is notoriously hard to replicate. The paper also has yellow, pink, and blue planchettes randomly placed on the stock. The SSA notes that these security features are more appropriate to a paper card format.
Lamination is frowned upon by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as it interferes with detecting security measures. The SSA suggests storing the card in a safe place, such as a plastic sleeve meant for baseball card collectors, instead of carrying it around.
While there has been discussion of employing technology to enhance the functionality of Social Security cards and make them more durable, the workload and cost implications of issuing new cards would have to be justified by a demonstrated need for this functionality among cardholders.
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Plastic cards are harder to counterfeit
Social Security cards are currently made from banknote paper, which allows the Social Security Administration (SSA) to implement a number of security features to deter counterfeiting. However, the SSA has considered the possibility of introducing plastic Social Security cards, which would be harder to counterfeit.
Furthermore, plastic cards can incorporate optical storage technology or a microprocessor chip, which significantly increases the cost of the card but also enhances security. The use of plastic or polyester material for Social Security cards would also make them more durable, tamper-resistant, and flexible than the current paper cards.
While there is no single security technique that is foolproof, the construction of plastic cards allows for the utilisation of many techniques to create a counterfeit-resistant and tamper-resistant card. The SSA is committed to periodically issuing new, more sophisticated cards to keep up with improvements in technology and enhance the functionality of Social Security cards.
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Paper cards have security features like blue, marbleized background tint
Social Security cards are made of banknote paper, which allows the Social Security Administration (SSA) to implement several security features that are more appropriate to a paper card format. One of these security features is the blue, marbleized background tint. This tint is erasable, making any attempts to remove or erase data easily detectable. The blue tint is also used to deter counterfeiting.
The use of banknote paper for Social Security cards was introduced in 1983, replacing the previous cardboard material. The switch to banknote paper allowed for the incorporation of additional security features, such as yellow, pink, and blue planchettes randomly placed on the paper stock. These security measures aim to protect the sensitive information associated with Social Security numbers and prevent fraud or unauthorized access.
The blue, marbleized background tint is just one example of the security features employed in Social Security cards. Other features may include intaglio print with raised lettering that can be felt by touch, making it difficult to replicate. These security features work in conjunction with other recommended practices, such as storing the card in a safe place and not carrying it around unless necessary.
While the blue, marbleized background tint provides a level of security, it is important to note that Social Security cards are still delicate and can be damaged if not handled or stored properly. The SSA suggests keeping the card in a safe place, such as a plastic sleeve designed for baseball card collectors, to protect it from wear and tear. By following these guidelines and leveraging the security features like the blue, marbleized background tint, individuals can help ensure the integrity and longevity of their Social Security cards.
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Plastic cards with microchips are more expensive to produce
Social Security cards in the United States are currently made from banknote paper, which is more durable than the cardboard that was used prior to 1983. However, there have been discussions about potentially transitioning to plastic cards with microchips.
The cost of implementing microchips in Social Security cards is reflected in the unit price per card. For instance, an option with a microprocessor chip was estimated to be approximately $3.60 more expensive per card compared to the current paper cards.
While plastic cards with microchips offer enhanced security and durability, the increased production costs present a significant consideration. The workload and cost implications of issuing new Social Security cards with such advanced technology would need to be justified by the benefits they provide to cardholders.
It is worth noting that advancements in flexible semiconductor technology offer a potential solution to reduce costs and environmental impact. Flexible chips are more resource-efficient, requiring less energy, water, and chemicals during production. However, they are intended to complement rather than replace silicon chips, and further investment is needed to fully realize their potential.
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Laminating paper cards is not recommended
Social Security cards are made of banknote paper, which is used to implement several security features that deter counterfeiting. The blue, marbleized background tint is erasable, making any changes to the card obvious. The cards also use intaglio print, which has raised lettering that can be felt by touch and is hard to replicate. Laminating the card would interfere with detecting these security measures.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) frowns upon laminating Social Security cards. If you're worried about losing or damaging your card, the SSA suggests covering it with plastic or other removable material that does not damage the card.
Lamination may also cause problems when using the card for identification purposes. The SSA recommends storing the card in a safe place until it is needed. For example, keeping it in a plastic sleeve designed for baseball card collectors.
While it may seem inconvenient to have a delicate card that is supposed to last a lifetime, the banknote paper serves an important purpose. The paper allows the SSA to implement security features that protect your personal information and help prevent fraud.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Social Security cards are not plastic. They are made of banknote paper, which was introduced in 1983 to implement security features that are not possible with plastic.
Plastic cards can be made unique and difficult to counterfeit by embedding special fibres or other materials into the plastic. However, these security features are invisible, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) has stated that other security features are more appropriate to a paper card format.
Security features on Social Security cards include a blue, marbleized background tint, which makes any attempts to erase or remove data easily detectable, and intaglio print with raised lettering that is hard to replicate and can be felt by touch.
Social Security cards are supposed to be stored in a safe place and not carried around. The flimsy design is intended to deter people from carrying the card with them.
