CDN wondering about picture ID in the US

[crappyjazz]

This will sound like a strange question, but there is a purpose to it I promise!

If American posters wouldn't mind responding to this, I'm wondering what forms of picture ID are available to Americans besides drivers license and passport?

This question is with respect to voter ID laws and when required to present photo ID what options are there for people who don't drive, etc. to get a photo ID.

Thank you

[RedWedge]

1. I suppose it depends on the state, but many states offer photos IDs.

In MN, it's basically the same as a driver's license without giving you license to drive. To get it, you need a primary document (birth certificate, etc.) and a secondary document (social security card, etc.).

[greymattermom]

2. Does it have to be state issued?

Some credit cards have your picture. Some work ids have your picture.

[tazkcmo]

5. Yes.

You must prove citizenship to get the state ID just like a driver's license.

[tazkcmo]

3. State ID

A simple ID in which you need to meet the same proof of citizenship requirements as a driver's license but take no driver's test, you just get the identification, no driver's license. In Missouri anyway.

[Princess Turandot]

4. I don't drive. I've a NYS Identification card which looks like a DL but has a different title on it

[tblue37]

6. Students and faculty get picture IDs, and some employers require pic IDs , too. nt

[PoliticAverse]

7. ID requirements in the US are state based and different states have different rules.

Here is a state by state listing of what type of ID is acceptable:
http://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/voter-id.aspx#Details

[crappyjazz]

10. that's awesome, thank you!

.

[brooklynite]

8. Some States allow a college ID; some allow a gun permit

[crappyjazz]

9. Thanks everyone

I had a silly idea that I thought might help elderly and poorer voters obtain photo ID so they could vote in districts where Rethugs are trying to prevent them.

Wondered if there was an easy photo ID they could obtain. Realizing that states have different laws in this regard, I've been thinking of a sly way for democrats to pass seemingly innocuous legislation that no one would actually read requiring library cards have photos on them. It's stupid when I type it but I can't stop thinking about it.

[MiniMe]

12. As far as I know, library cards don't require proof of citizenship

So while it could be a photo ID, I don't think it would be acceptable for voting in those states that have voter ID laws

[crappyjazz]

13. thank you

[crazycatlady]

14. I just had to obtain a copy of my birth certificate

My original was misplaced and needed to renew my license. In order to get it (by mail), I had to pay $30, send them a copy of my ID, and tell them why I needed it (a list of options-- employment, drivers license, passport, school, etc).

If you need ID to get a document you need to get an ID it is a catch 22 situation. This is what many people are trapped in.

[crazycatlady]

11. Most states offer a non driver photo ID

Looks similar to a drivers. In addition some states learner's permits have photos on them (some are a piece of paper though, depends on the state).

In addition there's student ID cards, employer ID cards, etc.

In order to get a state-issued ID card (license, non driver ID), you have to present 6 points of ID for them. Documents you can use are passports, birth certificates, student ID, out of state ID, social security card, utility bill, credit card, etc). Each is assigned a point value, and the total must add up to 6. Last time I did mine, I used my soon to expire DL (needed to renew), birth certificate, and a credit card.

For the I-9 form (required for employment), you must prove citizenship (or authorization to work in the US) and identity. The only document (for US citizens) that does both is a passport. Having been on the employer side of things, most people present a drivers license/non driver ID and a SS card or birth certificate. (I have my license, SS card, and birth certificate scanned and saved on my phone for this reason).

[crappyjazz]

15. Sounds overwhelming

which I guess is the point

thank you for the information

[dembotoz]

16. what is ironic is that not that long ago the far religous right considered national id as 666

the mark of the devil