A photo ID is something important for individuals to identify themselves. When entering certain places, when something happens, or any other things, there are moments where we need to prove our identity by showing our photo ID. There is also a moment where we need to upload a photo ID immediately online, for example to register to an institution or to fill out a form online. How can we do that? Read the information about photo ID below.
Some Kinds of Photo IDs
There are a number of kinds of IDs. Those are listed below.
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- State-issued ID
This is an ID which is issued by the government where it proves that the holder is the citizen of a state and it includes the holder’s identity. To get this ID, you do not have to take a test.
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- School ID
This is a form of identification which is issued by a school for primary and secondary school in the United States. By having this ID, students can use facilities at school.
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- Work ID
This ID is an ID which is issued by a workplace to identify that the holder works in an organization or institution. This ID is the same as a school ID where the holder is allowed to enter a workplace and use facilities in the office.
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- Driver’s License
This is a card that permits you to operate a motor vehicle and it includes the identity of the holder.
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- Passport
This is a travel identification document which is issued by the government. In this document, there is identity information of the holder. With this document, the holder can enter and exit foreign countries easily.
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- Military ID
This is an identification card which is issued by the government to identify members of the Armed Forces. By having this ID card, an individual can access military bases, Base exchange and also medical care delivered through the military health system or through TRICARE.
What to Do When We Need a Photo ID Online?
Let’s say that you are filling out a form and it requires you to upload a photo ID online. If so and the form gives you a freedom to upload any photo ID, you can choose one of the photo IDs that you have. If you have a state ID, you can use it. If you do not have it, but you only have a school ID, you can use the school ID that you have.
To upload it online, usually you have to scan or take a picture of it first. For a quicker process, you can scan or take a picture of your photo ID by using your smartphone. Now, there are scan apps that you can download online. After you scan or take a picture of the photo ID, then you can upload it to the online form. If you cannot upload it because the size of the photo ID is too large, you are able to resize it online. There are a number of online tools that you can use for resizing or compressing documents online.
It is better if you have a soft copy of your photo ID in your smartphone, laptop or USB flash drive so that when you need it online, you are ready.
Getting a Photo ID Card Online
Is it possible to get a photo ID card online? It seems that it is impossible to get a photo ID card online if this is your first time to get it. It is because to create a photo ID card, you need to prove your identity in person. However, if you want to replace your state ID card which is damaged, lost, or stolen, you are able to apply for a replacement through your state’s Secretary of State (SOS) online.
If you want to change your address in your state ID because you move, you are able to change it online by submitting your request. However, if you want to change your name, you have to go directly to a Secretary of State branch and show your proof that you have changed your name.
The Importance of a Photo ID
It is important to have a photo ID for an individual. And as explained earlier, there are some kinds of photo IDs. By having a photo ID, people will easily identify you. Let’s say that you take an exam and then the operator checks your photo ID to make sure that it is really you, not others.
Here are the reasons why you need to have a photo ID.
- It can prove your identity.
- If you have to prove your age in a certain place or to a certain person, you can prove it with your photo ID.
- It can allow you to operate motor vehicles.
- It can identify staff members in a workplace or students in a school.
- It is as a safeguard against identity theft.
Taking a Photo for ID Online
Do you need a photo for your ID? If the institution where you apply for your ID permits you to take a photo by yourself by using an app online, you can do that. There are a number of applications that you can download on your smartphone to take a picture for your ID. By using an online app for taking a picture for your ID, you will not need to waste your time, money, and effort.
One of the apps is Smartphone ID. This app claims that your photo will go through double control where the app will check the conformity and if the green light is given, the specialist team will evaluate it. After your photo is validated by the app and team, the photo will be received by you in a few minutes in your email. And then, you are able to print it yourself or you are able to order it to be delivered by post in a few days.
What will happen if the photo fails? If your photo fails, you will be given the reason for it and you will be asked to do it again. So, you will be able to get an ID photo which 100% conforms with national and international standards.
This app also claims that its software respects the standards of ISO/IEC 1979465 and the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) that guarantees the quality and conformity of the ID photo with all the requirements such as face angles, format, resolution, brightness, etc.
For elderly and the disabled, especially those who live in the countryside, this app may be helpful for them. The app is available for Android and iPhone.
Some other apps for taking pictures for ID the same as Smartphone Id are PhotoDirector, ID Photo application, Passport Photo Online, etc.
Applying for a Photo ID
State ID cards or non-driver ID cards are one of the photo IDs. If you do not have any photo ID, you can create this one. This photo ID is issued at the Department of Motor Vehicles. This ID is accessible for all citizens of the US, no matter what their age or profession. This ID has similar security and identification features as a license, but it does not extend to driving privileges.
To get a state ID or a non-driver ID card, here are the simple steps.
- First, you need to fill in the application form. You are able to visit your local DMV website and find a non-driver ID card or a state ID card to find the form for your state.
- Then, you need to take a photo in 2 x 2 inch.
- After that, you are able to make an appointment at your local DMV office and apply.
To get a state ID is not free, but it is affordable. The fee may vary from one state to another, but in general it is around $10 to $50.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
