What to cover on a state ID or SSN card
On an SSN card, covering everything except the last four digits is almost always enough. Covering the rest can stop a recipient from verifying you at all.
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What to cover
Anything the recipient did not ask for is safer covered.
| Item | Why cover it | How to cover it |
|---|---|---|
| SSN | The single most damaging number to expose | Leave the last 4 digits, cover the first five |
| Date of birth and issue date | Extra identity detail most recipients never need | Leave the birth year, cover the rest |
| Home address | Puts your street address on the copy | Cover the whole address line |
| Photo | Your face stays on the copy | Mosaic it when it is not needed |
State ID & SSN card
Choose a photo to redact
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Screenshots can be pasted with Ctrl+Vright away.
How to do it
- Load the documentUse a photo, a scan or a screenshot — Ctrl+V pastes one straight in.
- Mark what to coverDrag a rectangle over each item in the table above. You can mark several in a row.
- Save and zoom inSave as PNG or JPG, then zoom to 200% to be sure no digits show through.
Redact another document
Frequently asked questions
Should I cover the whole SSN?
Leave the last four unless you are told otherwise. US federal court filings use exactly that rule under FRCP 5.2: SSN last four, birth year, minor’s initials and account last four.
Is a screenshot safe?
Yes. Saving as an image removes any text layer, so nothing remains to select or copy.
Is a state ID the same as a driver’s license?
The items to cover are similar, but a state ID has no licence number. Pick the one matching your document.