Can i use my birth certificate instead of my social security card for a job

Q: What can I use instead of Social Security card?

Using a drivers license or State issued ID is the fastest option to complete your request. Drivers license State issued ID card Other form of ID Which state or district issued your identification?

Table of Contents Show

What can I use instead of Social Security card?
What counts as proof of eligibility to work in the US?
What do you need to get a job?
Can you get a job without an ID in Texas?

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03-16-2017, 02:44 PM

Just to be clear: I DO HAVE a social security number and I was supposed to start work today. Unfortunately, my binder with all my documents including birth certificates and social security card opened up and all the contents fell out. I looked and looked for my card and I'm pretty sure it's somewhere in the house or my car (but I've looked and can't find it) and I've been told that I can't start work without the card itself.

I do have a number and selected to identify my right to work and proof as a US citizen with my driver's license and birth certificate. Apparently that's not enough for my new employer. I understand concerns about taxes and all that, but they won't accept the letter from the social security office either.

If I can't find my card I do plan on reporting it as lost/stolen. I am also going to the office in the morning to request a card replacement.

I'm missing a lot of work because of this. I'm very disappointed. I would think they could wait on the card or just hold my pay until I give them the card. I DO HAVE a number which I provided in both the job and paper application they gave me.

03-16-2017, 02:47 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by DeliveryDriver123

If I can't find my card I do plan on reporting it as lost/stolen. I am also going to the office in the morning to request a card replacement.

You must have another document around with your SS number on it? Can't they use that?

03-16-2017, 02:49 PM

Location: Florida

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You can go online to the SS Gov website, and create an account with your SS#, then print out something with the number on it.

https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/

03-16-2017, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seain dublin

You must have another document around with your SS number on it? Can't they use that?

They said they want the original card or a copy of the card. No exceptions.

03-16-2017, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enigma777

You can go online to the SS Gov website, and create an account with your SS#, then print out something with the number on it.

https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/

I'll take a look. Thanks.

03-16-2017, 03:23 PM

that's overkill. I doubt many people still have their original SS card or even a copy of it.

03-16-2017, 04:07 PM

12,183 posts, read 18,104,610 times

Reputation: 19108

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeliveryDriver123

They said they want the original card or a copy of the card. No exceptions.

Correct.

USCIS places the full burden of proving who you are onto the employer. The feds don't care if your illegal or not, so long as they can fine and penalize the employer for some mistake. The US government makes millions each year off of honest mistakes like not having a copy of the Social Security card. Get whapped once - no employer is going to let it slide again! That's just the way it is!

Now, you can get around this if you have a US Passport or a US Passport Card. Either one of those documents can be accepted instead of all other identification. You don't need no stinkin license; you don't need no stinkin Social Security card; and you don't even need no stinkin badges. Just bring in your Passport or Passport card and tell them that is a LIST A Document. You're trying to get by using the LIST B documents which is your identification like drivers license and proof of authorization to work int he US like a social security card. When using List B like you are, it's not one or the other; it's one and the other!

Mod cut.

Last edited by PJSaturn; 03-17-2017 at 07:58 AM.. Reason: Political commentary.

03-16-2017, 04:26 PM

Yes welcome to the working world. You are required to provide proof of your identity AND your right to work. A quick google search will confirm that your employer is right.

Your birth certificate and driver's license are two forms of ID that prove your identity. They do not prove your right to work in the US. You need your social security card or passport for that. The employer didn't make the rules, and it's not their fault you are losing wages because you weren't prepared on your first day of work.

This is a painful lesson that your SS card is extremely important in your life and you need to do more than just stick it in a binder where it could fall out.

03-16-2017, 04:35 PM

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Reputation: 26903

When you go to replace your card, you will leave with a receipt that shows that you have ordered a replacement. That will help your employer, so it should remedy your situation. When your card comes, then you take that down to your HR and they make a copy....or just view it.

03-16-2017, 04:44 PM

1,454 posts, read 1,771,533 times

Reputation: 1253

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeliveryDriver123

If I can't find my card I do plan on reporting it as lost/stolen. I am also going to the office in the morning to request a card replacement.

sounds like they are asking for the card for I-9 purposes. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9

about the I-9:
Form I-9 is used for verifying the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States. All U.S. employers must ensure proper completion of Form I-9 for each individual they hire for employment in the United States.

Here's most commonly used as evidence: (List A is only one doc, or one from each B and C) These have to be verified within 3 days of employment

List A:
Passport; Permanent Resident Card, Foreign Passport...

List B: Drivers license or ID card, School ID w/photo, voter registration card, etc

List C: SSN Card, Birth Certificate (org or cert)

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Using a driver's license or State issued ID is the fastest option to complete your request. Driver's license State issued ID card Other form of ID Which state or district issued your identification?

What counts as proof of eligibility to work in the US?

ID card issued by federal, state, or local government agencies or entities, provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color, and address (This selection does not include the driver's license or ID card issued by a state or outlying possession of the United States ...

What do you need to get a job?

Work documents.

School and employment records. Almost every job application will ask for your contact information, job history, and education or training. ... .

Birth certificate. ... .

Driver's license. ... .

Social Security card. ... .

Work permits. ... .

Under 18. ... .

Criminal record, or rap sheet..

Can you get a job without an ID in Texas?

Proving Authorization to Work in Texas List C documents are those that can be used to establish work authorization, but not identity. The documents on this list include a birth certificate or a certification of report of birth issued by the U.S Department of State.