Providing Valid Forms of ID

us passports and photo ids
[Updated December 19, 2020]
Table of Contents
Photo IDs
Valid Form of ID
Getting a Photo ID
Using Photo ID Cards
Student IDs
What Are Their Uses?
Using a Student ID
Proof of Age
Real ID
What is REAL ID?
Passports
Identity Verification

Identification cards serve a variety of purposes. Many identification cards show membership to an organization, restrict access to a designated area for security purposes, and provide proof of identity. From a signed government-issued ID, like a Social Security card, to a photo ID, like a student identification card, each card provides differing levels of authority.

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Knowing these levels of authority ensures you have the proper identification anywhere you go. Without adequate identification, you can’t access federal facilities, make specific purchases, or board an aircraft, bus or train.

Stack of Passports

Photo IDs

Photo IDs are usually required for starting employment, opening a bank account, domestic and international travel, driving, renting or buying an apartment or home, purchasing cigarettes, alcohol or guns, applying for government benefits, obtaining a marriage license, test-taking, voting and more.

Providing a Valid Form of ID

The validity of an ID is often determined by the purpose for its use. Government-issued IDs are one of the most commonly recognized forms of acceptable IDs.

The primary types of government IDs include driver’s licenses and non-drivers ID cards, U.S. passports, U.S. military cards, and state or federal agency issued photo IDs. These IDs carry significant weight as each is issued by a proper authority and provides critical information such as photos, birth dates and full names. Certain tasks may require the use of photo IDs that also include a signature.

Non-photo IDs issued by the government include Birth Certificates and Social Security cards.

Getting a Photo ID

Requirements for photo IDs depend on what type of ID you need, such as a U.S. Passport, Driver’s License, state-issued identification card, student ID or work ID. The entity issuing the ID will have specific stipulations for what is necessary to obtain the photo ID. To obtain a government or non-government photo ID, some proof of identity must be presented before cards are issued.

Driver License application

Government-issued photo IDs typically involve filing an application, while student IDs and work name badges are provided when beginning classes or employment. The government has stringent requirements for providing photo IDs, such as requiring a Birth Certificate and Social Security card. For non-US born citizens, a U.S. Passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, Foreign Passport, US Consular Report of Birth Abroad, or Permanent Resident Card may suffice.

Using Photo ID Cards

A photo ID card includes an image of the holder’s face as well as a full name. To be recognized as valid, photo IDs must not be issued by the holder, but by a separate entity. Photo IDs may be issued by entities such as the government, a school, hospital or employer.  These cards are used for security, establishing identity and gaining access to designated areas.

Non-government-issued photo IDs used for voting include an employee badge issued by a municipal, county, state or federal government office, concealed carry of handgun license issued by the state, public assistance identification card, an identification card issued by an Indian tribe and current student IDs from accredited schools.

Student IDs

What Can a Student ID Be Used For?

Many colleges, universities and technical schools issue students photo IDs to provide access to certain resources, allow campus purchases, secure facilities, gain attendance information and serve other functions. On campus, students can use IDs to check out library books, pay for cafeteria food, and enter classroom buildings, dorms and science labs. Off campus, student can use IDs for discounts at restaurants, local retail stores, movie theaters, public transit locations, and local attractions.

Student ID cards often feature QR codes, photos, school logos, and other distinguishing features. Most student ID cards include student name and the year the ID is issued. Because these IDs are issued by educational institutions, they can function as proof of identity in some cases and may meet qualifications to be considered a valid photo ID.

Using a Student ID as a Valid Photo ID

Student IDs can also be useful for tasks such as voting, test taking, traveling and establishing identity. To be considered valid, Student IDs must be issued by an accredited school and must be current (not expired). The acceptance of the ID depends on the issuing body and the purpose of use.

Student photo IDs are accepted as a valid ID for voting in some states, and for taking the SAT. In some situations, possessing just a Student ID will not provide sufficient proof of identification. For example, a student ID functions as only a supporting document for traveling and establishing identity, such as when applying for a U.S. Passport or starting employment.


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Can a Student ID be used as Proof of Age?

No, student IDs cannot typically be used as official proof of age. Government and state issued ID cards are required for most situations that would require showing proof of age. Although some schools may include a birth date on the cards, these still are not considered valid. Proof of age is often a concern when buying alcohol. However, many bars and restaurants are required to accept IDs such as driver’s license or passports.

Outside the United States, in places such as Australia or the United Kingdom, there are “Proof of Age” and “Proof of Identity” cards that are issued for different purposes.

Real ID

Starting on October 1st, 2020, all United States residents will need to carry REAL ID compliant identification in order to fly.

What is REAL ID?

The REAL ID Act, passed in 2005, was enacted to standardize required identifications for “Federal facilities…federally regulated commercial aircraft…[and] nuclear power plants.”¹ You won’t be able to enter these areas or fly without a REAL ID compliant license. Compliant driver’s licenses will have a star somewhere at the top of the card.

“What About My Passport?”

You passport will remain a viable and acceptable form of ID once the REAL ID Act goes into full effect. You will still need to ensure your passport stays current and up-to-date.

Identity Verification

While REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses will be required, the TSA may allow you to fly if your forget your identification. You will need to comply and allow additional screening and provide further personal information for agents to confirm your identity.² Keeping additional information on hand in the form of membership cards, student IDs, or custom photo ID badges could help expedite any additional screening you will experience should you leave your REAL ID at home.

References

  1. Department of Homeland Security
  2. Transportation Security Administration