Identity Documents in The United States - Other Specialized Cards

Other Specialized Cards

In the absence of a national identity card, the typical adult in the United States often carries a large number of documents issued by many different public and private entities.

The U.S. Federal government issues the following types of identity documents:

• Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
• Certificate of Naturalization
• Immigration and travel-related documents issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to non-U.S. citizens.
• Passport
• The passport card is a new travel document available to U.S. citizens for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and various Caribbean destinations.
• NEXUS card for travel between the United States and Canada.
• SENTRI card for travel between the United States and Mexico.
• The Transportation Worker Identification Credential, a new biometric security identification credential to be phased in by April 15, 2009, issued by the Transportation Security Administration.
• The Merchant Mariner's Document, issued by the U.S. Coast Guard.
• Cards that prove participation in the Medicaid and Medicare programs.

Other documents that are evidence of an individual's identity:

• Airport Identification (SIDA Badges)
• State/territory driver's license (see above)
• ID card issued by federal, state, or local government agencies or entities, provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color and address
• School ID card with photograph
• Voter's registration card
• Native American tribal document

Other examples of documents involving personal identity include:

• Credit cards and debit cards
• Internal identification card issued by one's employer, university or school
• Proof of professional certification (for members of regulated professions)
• Proof of automobile insurance card (when driving)
• Health insurance card issued by a private health insurance company, by Medicare, or by a state public health insurance agency
• Library cards
• Membership cards issued by private clubs (social, athletic, educational, alumni, etc.)
• Membership cards (called loyalty cards) issued by private companies (supermarkets, warehouse club stores, etc.)
• Membership cards issued by professional organizations
• Membership cards issued by private associations
• Access documents issued by private or governmental organizations, such as a press pass, or a stage pass
• License documents issued by government organizations authorizing privileges other than driving, such as an amateur radio license or concealed firearm permit