We issue three types of Social Security cards. All cards show your name and Social Security number. If you are not a U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident, you may have a work restriction listed on your card. The chart below explains the three types of cards that we issue:
1
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.
2
Shows your name and Social Security number with the restriction, "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION".
We issue it to people lawfully admitted to the United States on a temporary basis who have DHS authorization to work.
3
Shows your name and Social Security number with the restriction, "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 have a valid non-work reason for needing a Social Security number; or
- need a number because of a federal law requiring a Social Security number to get a benefit or service.