There’s a difference between having a social security number and a social security card.
You need a number to work. You need the card for real id. Replacement of a lost card is onerous. For a minor, incredibly onerous - you need a healthcare provider to sign a statement identifying the minor. (Good luck with that)
No, the person bringing it up is just wrong. Some states may require proof of SSN in order to get a REAL ID, but many (such as California) do not, and as such, that means the federal requirements that the states have to comply with in order to issue REAL IDs does not require proof of SSN.
> Replacement of a lost card is onerous. For a minor, incredibly onerous - you need a healthcare provider to sign a statement identifying the minor. (Good luck with that)
Huh?
All you need for a child of yours under 12 is:
1. Birth certificate for child
2. Proof that you are a parent (usually #1 plus a government issued ID covers this; an adoption order may be needed if you aren't on the birth certificate)
3. Proof that the child was alive recently. Either medical or school records will cover this; it needs to have parent and child's name on it.
If the child over 12, you need the above, plus the child must present themselves at an office, preferrably with a photo ID (it need not be government issued; e.g. a school ID is fine). If your child doesn't have a photo ID, the individual officer may be a bit persnickety in this case, so having both medical and school records are good, though may not be required.
As an aside, if the child has a passport (possibly even a recently expired one) you're basically good to go, since it establishes both identity and citizenship.
You need a number to work. You need the card for real id. Replacement of a lost card is onerous. For a minor, incredibly onerous - you need a healthcare provider to sign a statement identifying the minor. (Good luck with that)