Babies born during America's 250th can get special Social Security cards

The Social Security Administration is giving out a special "first-of-its-kind commemorative Social Security card" to babies born between July 2 and Dec. 31 of this year in honor of America's 250th birthday.

While the commemorative card appears to be just like any other Social Security card, the special edition will feature the official Freedom 250 logo in black ink, "marking the recipient’s birth during the nation’s 250th year," the SSA said in a Wednesday, July 1 news release.

"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," SSA Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano said in a statement. "The next generation of Americans born during this historic year will receive limited-edition Social Security cards bearing the Freedom 250 logo."

How to get a commemorative Social Security card

The limited-edition cards, which will have the same functions as a typical standard Social Security card, will be issued only as part of the Enumeration at Birth program, under which parents can request a Social Security number during the birth registration process at hospitals, birthing centers or through licensed midwives. The SSA has issued Social Security numbers to newborns through the EAB program, a partnership with hospitals and state vital records offices, since 1987.

The cards will only be available to babies born between July 2 and Dec. 31 and come at no additional cost to families or taxpayers.

"Replacement and duplicate cards will not carry the commemorative designation regardless of the cardholder's birth date," SSA said.

This story was updated to add a new photo.

Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.