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

Read more about this topic:  Identity Documents In The United States

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