Proof of SSN for Real ID
 

New Yorker here. Apparently for Real ID I need proof of SSN either via Social Security Card or W-2 with SSN on it. I can't find my card and am told that my payroll processor, ADP, can't produce a W-2 with SSN on it. Anyone run into this and any ways around this? TIA

If I can't get a Real ID I would need to travel with a passport or Green Card

Why not just request a replacement Social Security card?

https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/

Still kind of difficult to get post-COVID - you have to apply online and then bring your "documents" (DL or passport in most cases) to a local SS office (at least at some locations), and wait who knows how long in line.

Definitely easier to procure a W-2 with your SSN on it. What did you provide the IRS for your 2021 taxes? And your company should easily be able to provide you with another copy - PDF, usually.

In some cases, one can apply online for a replacement card.
And aren't in-person visits at local Social Security offices now by appointment?

https://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm

You can apply online, but they you then have to go to an office for verification. According to the SS website, most offices are now back open for walk-ins, but I'm guessing the lines are probably still long.

It appears that one can still get an appointment at offices that are open for walk-ins:

"Local Social Security offices are offering more in-person appointments and have resumed in-person service for people without an appointment. As we expand in-person service, we strongly encourage you to continue to go online, call us for help, and schedule appointments in advance."

Source: https://www.ssa.gov/agency/emergency/

I suggest that the OP set up a My Social Security account now (if he does not already have one), and see how far he can get requesting a replacement card online. If he has to make an in-person visit, request an appointment time to minimize the wait.

not offered by every office. Tacoma, for one.

I wonder how DMV would react if you took in proof that you are over-65 and collecting social security.

The physical card isn't required to file for and collect social security, so it's pretty ridiculous that it would be considered proof of identity for DMV. It's also kind of stupid because an alternate acceptable form of identity is a passport and a passport doesn't contain your SSN.

well, we are talking about DMV, right? ;)

More attempts to turn an SS card into a de facto national ID.

Eons ago, your driver's license number in Hawaii was your SSN. That practice was supposedly ended because 1) it was supposedly illegal to use a SSN for ID purposes and 2) using an SSN as a DL number made identity theft sooooo much simpler.

This is all so hard , I’ll just travel with my passport.

Same here. I'm not going to go to the hassle of getting a replacement SS card (lost the original one decades ago and never saw the need to replace it - it was useless as ID and I knew my number by heart) so I can pay more money to spend time at DMV getting a more 'secure' (ie, 'expensive') driver's license before the current one expires. I've got better things to do with my time.

same here.

OP mentioned being a New Yorker, so assuming NYC, so should be ok.

[emp added]

Well that's not true. If anything, they'd have trouble producing a W2 *without* the number printed on it. Ask your employer for a W2 with YTD figures on it. IIRC, they have to provide one by law. If you really want to, just download the W2 from the IRS website, fill it in, print it off, and use that - or use last years W2 that your employer gave you.