The Social Security Act requires the Commissioner of Social Security to issue a Social Security card made of banknote paper, and (to the maximum extent practicable) be a card that cannot be counterfeited. Thus, in order to comply with this requirement, all cards beginning with the October 1983 version are made of banknote paper with security features intended to make the Social Security card tamper- resistant and less susceptible to counterfeiting.

For example, the front of the card contains a marbleized light blue security tint on the front, with the words "Social Security" in white; intaglio printing in some areas on the front of the card; and yellow, pink, and blue planchets--small discs--on both sides.