What Passes for Photo I.D.

got printer? got i.d.!

Published on May 10, 2005 By Gene Nash In Current Events

In a recent discussion over possible new driver's license requirements, terpfan1980 wondered what people would use for a photo I.D. when most people's photo I.D.'s are their driver's licences.

When I got my driver's license many years ago, I used my passport as a photo I.D. (Don't ask me what they use to verify you for the passport, I haven't renewed mine in ages.)

But it may be far easier to come up with photo I.D. than you imagine.

When I opened my P.O. Box last year, the post office required proof of address and at least two forms of I.D. You'd think that would be easy, right? Wrong! Social Security card? No! VISA? MasterCard? No! No bank cards!

So, I'm standing there, flipping through the pile of cards from my wallet, and the postal agent casually mentions, "We take corporate I.D. cards."

Hmmm, corporate I.D. cards? Fortunately, I carry expired cards with me for their occasional value. I found an old traveler's agent I.D. card I'd acquired for discount and perk purposes.

"How about this?" I asked.

He examined it, then said it was appropriate and signed me up.

The odd thing is, this card is something I could have printed up and laminated myself. That's all the issuing agency did. For all the post office knows this could have been a totally bogus at home one-off. It makes no sense to me that this would be acceptable when a social security card, or a bank card with all its security features was unacceptable.

So, if you worry about how to get photo I.D., don't. It may be far easier than you imagine. In fact, it might be as close as the printer at your elbow.

Comments

kingbee

on May 10, 2005

So, if you worry about how to get photo I.D., don't. It may be far easier than you imagine

you mean i can maybe use my old press pass from lfp?

Gene Nash

on May 11, 2005

you mean i can maybe use my old press pass from lfp?

I wouldn't be surprised.

Gideon MacLeish

on May 11, 2005

Gene,

Do you mind if I forward this to the LP? I'm thinking of suggesting they issue photo membership cards to their members to deal with this.

Nebraskawoman

on May 11, 2005

Maybe I'll actually keep my work id with me all the time then. It's the only other photo id I have other than my driver's license.

Gene Nash

on May 11, 2005

Do you mind if I forward this to the LP?

Be my guest, Gid.

Maybe I'll actually keep my work id with me all the time then.

That would probably be a good idea. You never know when you're going to need extra I.D.

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