May I accept a Social Security card that has been laminated, is unsigned or is a printout from the SSA as evidence of employment authorization?

While  the Social Security Administration (SSA) discourages individuals from laminating their Social Security cards, the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidance indicates a laminated card is acceptable but employers cannot accept metal or plastic reproductions.

In addition, according to the USCIS I-9 Central FAQs, a signature on an employee's Social Security card is not required for the card to be valid for Form I-9 purposes.

Employers cannot accept printouts in lieu of the Social Security card. Only a person's official Social Security card or a receipt for a replacement card issued by SSA is acceptable.