A photo id is photo identification that makes it easier for citizens to get identified by police officers, immigration officers, homeland security, and other law enforcement agencies. It can also be a source of productivity. With a photo id, a lawyer can identify as one to get access to a piece of evidence required in a case he or she is working on. A photo id also helps to personalize security, a citizen with a means of identification is more confident to walk around the city for fear of being stopped at some point. A photo id is also another source to prove authenticity while establishing relationships, a new friend might need to see a photo id before agreeing that you are a real person. Know more about Photo Id Besides The DMV
The most popular form of photo id in the US right now is the DMV-issued driver’s license. As large as 84.1% of the US population own a driver’s license. The driver’s license is so popular because it is a requirement to drive cars. Although, there are alternatives for those who do not need a driver’s license.
These alternatives are the military, the United States Passport, Banks, college, or the post office. They are separate entities and hence have different modes of application.
Post Office
At the post office, you can get a government-recognized photo id. This process is entirely easy compared to other forms of getting a photo card. You go to the post office closest to your location with the required files or documents, it is a fast process, you can get it done in person. Some post offices would prefer you to book an appointment so they would be expecting you. But it is generally the same fast and easy process everywhere. The required documents are:
- Application fee – Usually around $55 for an adult and $40 for 16years and younger
- Any proof of US citizenship – either the US birth certificate or certificate of citizenship or naturalization, etc.
- Passport photo
- A completed application form – can be downloaded through the post office website.
United States Passport Card
The procedure to get a US passport usually takes between 8 and 11 weeks. The passport is used for domestic flights and entry through all the United States land borders. It cannot be used for international air travel. It validates for 10 years, and it costs $65 for adults and $50 for minors. when it is time to get them renewed, you will need $30 only. Required documents are:
- Download the application form on their website
- Submit your photo – Use a white background, no selfies, take off your glasses, do not use filters, and lastly, make sure it is a recent picture taken at most 6 months earlier.
- Submit your U.S Citizenship Documents accordingly – if you were born in the United States, and you are planning to submit a Primary Citizenship Evidence, there are documents applicable to you, or if you are not born within the U.S and you intend to submit a Primary Citizenship Evidence, you are expected to submit from an entirely different group of documents. Make sure to visit their site to find which is compatible with you.
The Military
This one is pretty straightforward, to get the U.S Military photo id, you have to join the military or be closely related to someone who joined. This standard is common among military personnel in the world and is not a new practice, it is etched into their code of conduct. It would defeat the entire process if everyone had access to it.
The College
As a student or a lecturer in a college in the U.S, you get an id that states your name and current status; can be either student or staff that goes further to include your picture. This marks an identity to the college as it is another essential place in our lives for both staff and students. Most kids of college age would most likely attend college and therefore get a student id. Their lecturers are also real adults in society, who should also be identified.
Banks
Banks require identification among their staff, this is to enable them to access high-level areas in the banks. Every bank has areas that cannot be accessed by all levels of staff. High directors of banks would have access to where the stack of cash is being kept, the vault. The id can be used to incorporate it into the system to give access to places like the vault to only certain levels of staff.
Conclusion
Finally, photo ids are so important in our lives as humans, we need them for identification, security, a sense of belonging, access to buildings or areas in a building, and lastly, for travel needs. You do not need to wait till you learn to drive before you get yourself identified. Explore the options I listed above based on your life plans and preferences. If you love to travel, the Passport Card would be a better option, if you just need an easy way to get identified and recognized by federal laws, go for a Post Office id.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many photos should I attach to my photo id application?
Most places require two identical passport-sized photos.
- Black and white passport or colored?
Only colored passports are accepted
- Can I use a passport from when I was a kid?
Only photos taken 6 months before the submission of your application will be accepted
- Can I apply online or mail in my first application for a US passport Card?
No, you must apply in person if you are applying for your first U.S Passport Card.
