Can an employer require a copy of your social security card?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

Yes, an employer can require a copy of your social security card. While not all employers will mandate that a copy of your social security card be made, they are authorized to request a copy.

Confusion surrounding access to a new employee's social security card can come from why it is being required. Employers are not authorized to require an employee to produce a copy of the card to fulfill employment status information. This information is typically found on an I-9 form and verifies citizen status. This form requires only that prospective employees provide their social security number.

Employers do have the right to require that a copy of an employee's social security card be made for payroll purposes. The W-2 form requires a name and social security number for all resident and non-resident alien employees. Not all employers require a copy of your card, but those who do can require that you first contact the social security administration to get a card.