Why Do Driver's Licenses Get Laminated While Social Security Cards Don't?
The difference in the lamination policies for driver's licenses and Social Security cards primarily stems from their intended uses, security features, and the materials used in their production. Below, we explore the reasons why one card is typically lamination-resistant, while the other benefits from being protected by lamination.
Drivers Licenses
Durability: Driver's licenses are often made from durable materials like PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which can withstand wear and tear over time. Lamination enhances this durability, making the license last longer and more resistant to damage.
Security Features: Many states incorporate advanced security features such as holograms, barcodes, and microprinting into driver's licenses. These features can remain effective even when lamination is applied. The protective layer helps prevent unauthorized alterations or tampering, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the card.
Identification: A driver's license serves as a primary form of identification and may need to be presented frequently. States prioritize the longevity of the card to ensure that citizens can continue to use it for essential purposes. Lamination provides an additional layer of protection, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Social Security Cards
Material: Social Security cards are typically made from paper-based materials that are not designed for lamination. Lamination could obscure important security features on the card, such as the unique seal and the microprinting details.
Security Concerns: The Social Security Administration (SSA) emphasizes the importance of the security measures built into the card. These include unique design elements that make it difficult to counterfeit. Lamination could render these security features less effective, increasing the risk of fraud or identity theft.
Use Cases: Social Security cards are usually not handled as frequently as driver's licenses and are often kept in a secure location, such as a safe or a locked drawer. This reduces the need for lamination, as the card is less likely to be subject to wear and tear.
Can You Laminate Your Social Security Card?
While the Social Security Administration (SSA) discourages lamination due to the concerns mentioned above, many people do laminate their Social Security cards with little or no adverse effects. However, it is important to understand that lamination can potentially hide security features and make it easier to alter or defraud the card.
The SSA claims that lamination can obscure "security measures" built into the card. While this was more relevant for older cards, which made up about 40% of the population, newer cards likely do not share the same level of security features. It is advisable to follow official guidelines and recommendations unless necessary.
Personal Experiences with Laminating Cards
Individual experiences with laminated cards can vary. For instance, a person's mom might have laminated their Social Security card when they were a teenager. At age 60, the person still retains this laminated card and rarely needs to use it. This highlights that the card's lamination is more of a personal choice than a practical necessity for most individuals.
Additional identification, such as a US passport, might be a better option for identity verification. With passport holders sharing similar experience of using their ID over decades without issues, it reinforces the idea that robust, secure ID options might be the preferable choice.
Conclusion
In summary, the policies regarding lamination reflect the different purposes, materials, and security considerations associated with each type of identification card. While lamination offers benefits for driver's licenses, it poses risks for social security cards, making the latter less prone to this protective measure.