dear every non-american replying here,

the US is a clusterfuck. has been for awhile, not changing soon.

a social security card is made of flimsy paper and is roughly (but not exactly) the size of a business card or credit card. it’s difficult to replace even if you have all your affairs in order, αnd nearly impossible to replace otherwise.

it is not a valid form of ID in most cases, however, you need one to get pretty much any other valid form of ID. this all varies from state to state.

there are 50 states and multiple territories.

passports are federal but issued by the state. you (generally) need a social security card to get or renew a passport.

passports are one of many things, including but not limited to employment, requiring 2 forms of ID. in this (and almost only this) case is a Social Security card considered a valid form of ID.

it’s not a photo ID. it’s not getting you on a plane, or a drink at a bar, or the tickets to an event you overpaid for online, at least not without supporting documentation.

someone can steal your identity and seriously damage your life with just the number on your card because this number is tied to your banking and most credit applications, as well as employment, it is frequently subject to breaches/hacking/etc.

it’s a tiny piece of paper.