An ID card is one of the most important things in our lives as it serves as our identification. Talking about ID cards in the United States, you may wonder where someone can get one in the country. You may want to know about it if you are not a citizen of the United States nor live there. So, where can one get an ID card in the United States?
Overview of ID Card in the United States
The citizens of the United States do not have a document officially called a national identification card or ID card, unlike the citizens of most countries in the world. In order to verify their identity in various situations such as opening a bank account, enrolling in school, and accessing certain services, they usually use the ID cards or documents issued by government or state, such as:
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- Birth certificate: It is an official document issued by the government, hospital, birthing facility, midwife or doula that provides legal proof of someone’s identity. It includes important information such as full name, gender, date and place of birth, parents’ name, and so on.
- Driver’s license: This is an official document that allows someone to operate motorized vehicles on a public road. It is known as a driving permit. This document is given to someone after they have successfully passed a driving test.
- State ID card: This one is similar to a driver’s license and it is also issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles or DMV. However, it is a different thing. One of the things that sets it from a driver’s license is that it is printed vertically instead of horizontally. Just like a driver’s license, it can be used as a proof of age and identity in formal, commercial, and legal settings.
- Social Security card: This is a card with a Social Security number. On the card, a 9-digit number of Social Security is written.
- Medicare card: This card is given to those who are enrolled in Medicare. The card is red, white, and blue. Aside from Medicare numbers, it also lists names and dates that the Original Medicare hospital insurance and medicare insurance started.
- Medicaid card: This is the card that is handed to those who are enrolled in Medicaid. It is sent to these people by mail.
- U.S. passport: It is an official document issued by the United States to the U.S. citizens so that they can travel worldwide. It includes a photo, full name, gender, place and date of birth and so on.
- Permanent Resident (Green) card: This card allows non-citizens of the United States to live and work permanently in the United States. It is issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. It includes biographic information, photo, fingerprint, and expiration date.
- Naturalization certificate: This certificate is issued to non-citizens of the United States who have gone through the process of naturalization and have met requirements to become a U.S. citizen. It serves as evidence that these people have become a U.S. citizen through the naturalization process.
- Military ID card: This card is given to military members. It is proof that the holder has the connection to the Department of Defence and can access benefits and services.
- Real ID card: This card is needed to access federal buildings or board domestic flights.
Among these cards and documents, driver’s licenses are the most used as the standard form of ID. As for individuals who cannot or do not want to drive, they usually use an ID card issued by the state that has the same security and identification as driver’s licenses but with no driving permit. In addition, some of them also often use Real ID. The post will focus on three types of IDs: driver’s license, state identification card, and Real ID card.
Obtaining a Driver’s License
The requirements for applying for a driver’s license vary from one state to another. For age requirements, a lot of states provide permits to individuals at 16 or 17 years of age. Aside from that, there are also some states that allow people as young as 15 to get the permit. In addition to the age requirement, the applicant may also need to meet other requirements, such as:
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- Eligibility requirements: Residency, previous licensing, citizenship of lawful presence, the ability to complete a vision exam, the ability to complete a knowledge exam, parental consent for individuals under 18 years old, and completion of a basic rider course.
- Required documents: Proof of identity, proof of citizenship or lawful presence, proof of residency, and proof or a motorcycle education course completion
To be able to apply for a driver’s license in most states, you will have to visit a DMV or DOT office location. When submitting an application, make sure to provide the required documentation and fees for a permit. Besides, the applicants also have to pass a knowledge or written exam and a vision exam. A knowledge or written exam refers to a test that focuses on state and local traffic laws and the safe and basic operation of a vehicle. Apart from such a test, you will also be asked to demonstrate your ability to operate a vehicle safely and follow the rules.
Obtaining State Identification Card
Just like the requirements to apply for a driver’s license, requirements for applying for state ID also differ depending on the states. However, they are usually the same as the requirements for documentation standards, such as identity (true name), date of birth or age, United State citizenship or other legal presence, residency in the state, and a Social Security Number. Aside from that, photographs and fingerprints are also required during the application process. The applicants also have to include mandates that they submit their applications and documents in person. In addition, they also have to hand out any other IDs they hold, such as driver’s licenses issued by any state.
In order to apply for an ID card, one has to prove their identities, residency, citizenship and have a valid Social Security Number or SSN. For the process of applying, it varies depending on several factors, such as residency, age, and so on. As for the required documents, they also vary. However, the most common ones include birth certificates, any adoption records, valid and unexpired United States passports, foreign passports with U.S. visas, DHS or INS documents that prove identity and legal presence, and parental affidavits (for minors).
To get the ID card, the applicants can visit DMV service centers, state revenue offices, or other venues. Basically, they are usually the same place where driver’s licenses are issued. The process of applying for one usually includes ordering, gathering or preparing documentation; pre-registering online (optional); scheduling an appointment (optional), taking the documentation and application paperwork; sitting for a photograph; sitting for fingerprinting; handing out any other IDs; and receiving ID card.
Obtaining Real ID Card
Usually, the process to apply for Real ID is the same as the one to apply for a standard ID. However, multiple proofs of identity, citizenship residency and other qualifications also have to be provided.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the place where to get an ID card in the United States varies, depending on the ID. For a driver’s license, state identification card or state ID, and Real ID that is mostly used by the citizens of the United States to prove their identity, the applicants can visit the Departments of Motor Vehicles.
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.
