The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a first-of-its-kind commemorative Social Security card for children born in the United States between July 2 and December 31, 2026, celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence.
The limited-edition cards, identical in function to a standard Social Security card, will feature the official Freedom 250 logo in black ink, marking the recipient’s birth during the nation’s 250th year.
The commemorative cards will be issued as part of the Enumeration at Birth (EAB) program, where parents at hospitals, birthing centers, or those using licensed midwives can request a Social Security number during the birth registration process.
“Freedom 250 is a celebration of America’s storied history and the monumental moments that have shaped our nation, including the creation of Social Security over 90 years ago,” said Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. “The next generation of Americans born during this historic year will receive limited-edition Social Security cards bearing the Freedom 250 logo. Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump, we are strengthening Social Security, improving service, and building an SSA to serve Americans today and in the future.”
The official Freedom 250 designation is exclusively for original cards issued through the EAB program to newborns during the qualifying period. EAB cards issued outside the July 2 – December 31, 2026, timeframe and all replacement and duplicate cards will not carry the commemorative designation regardless of the cardholder’s birth date. For additional information, please visit www.ssa.gov/faqs.
SSA has issued Social Security numbers to newborns since 1987 through the EAB program, a partnership with hospitals and state vital records offices across the country. More than 3.5 million children are born in the United States each year. The commemorative cards will be produced at no additional cost to families or taxpayers.
Beware of Scams
SSA asks that you protect yourself and your loved ones from scams. SSA will never call, text, or email you requesting payment to obtain a commemorative card for your child or otherwise. Parents do not need to apply, register, or provide information beyond what is already collected through the standard EAB program.
If you receive a suspicious communication claiming to be from SSA or from a third party on behalf of the agency, please report it to the Office of the Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov/report or call 1-800-269-0271. To learn about Social Security scams, please visit www.ssa.gov/scam.
