ID Documents That Can Open New Opportunities
If you’ve been following my blog for some time, you know that I enjoy providing tips to teens and young adults that want to begin their journey to adulthood. One of the ways to do this is to get the following federal government documents for identification. There are several acceptable documents for identification, but some of them require that you go through a specific process. Today I’ll share a list of the most important documents you’ll need to manage your affairs as a young adult, as well as how to get them.
Do You Really Need These Documents?
To answer the above question, you will most certainly need these documents. Without them, you won’t be able to do the following:
- Go to a college/university/trade school
- Get a job
- Join the military
- Open a bank account
- Obtain a credit card/loan/other credit products
Certified Copy of Your Birth Certificate
The first thing you’ll need to obtain is your birth certificate. Chances are, your parents kept the hospital certificate that they were given when you were born. That is not a certified copy of your birth certificate. The cost of a certified copy of your birth certificate will vary depending on what state you were born in. For example, a birth certificate in North Dakota only costs $7, whereas one from Michigan can be as expensive as $34.
Why do I need a certified copy?
A certified copy of your birth certificate is the one that is legally recognized and valid. The hospital birth certificate is essentially a novelty that’s nice for hanging up in your home or sticking in a scrapbook, and not much else. If you want to know how to get a birth certificate, the best way is to contact the vital records office in your state and ask for one. Of course, you’ll need to provide the necessary documentation first. Every state has different fees and requirements, so it’s best to check your state’s website.
In California, for example, you can request a birth certificate online by visiting vitalcheck.com and completing the information in the request form. You must complete either the online authentication or send in a notarized Certificate of Identity. (Note: The website doesn’t require notarization for informational copies, so you may be tempted to choose that route. Don’t do it if you’re looking for a job or would like to establish your identity in any way–you’ll just waste your money.)
Social Security Card and Social Security Number
Once you’ve got your certified birth certificate, you can apply for your social security card. Bring your birth certificate to the social security office, along with a picture ID. If you don’t have a driver’s license (yet), you can also use a school identification card (preferably with your photo on it), a passport, health insurance card (not a Medicare card), or U.S. military ID card to order a social security card.
The good news about social security cards (unlike other items on this list) is that they are provided completely free of charge. You don’t even need to pay to replace them, should they be lost or stolen (but keep track of them anyway–you don’t want to have your identity stolen)!
Driver’s License or ID Card
Now that you’ve got both your birth certificate and your social security card, you can apply for your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) ID card. For this, you’ll need to fill out an application and provide proof of citizenship (i.e., birth certificate), proof of residency (usually a utility bill or other document with your name and address on it), and social security number. While you’re at the DMV, they’ll record your thumbprint and take a photo of you for the license. Like a birth certificate, you will be charged a fee in order to obtain your ID card.
When you get your driver’s license or state-issued ID card, it will serve as the national ID card that you’ll use for identification purposes across the country as you travel. For a list of DMV offices by state, click here.
Enhanced Driver’s License/Real ID
You may have heard about enhanced driver’s licenses/Real ID cards. If so, you’re probably wondering: “Is an enhanced driver’s license the same as a real ID?” The answer is no.
Real ID
Real IDs are federally compliant, DMV-issued driver’s licenses that you need to have in order to board domestic flights starting in May 2023 (unless you have a valid passport). There is no charge for a Real-ID compliant license if you renew normally. If you apply for one outside of your regular renewal cycle, however, you may be charged a small fee.
Enhanced Driver’s Licenses (EDLs)
EDLs are only available in five states at this time: Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. Like Real IDs, these licenses allow you to board domestic flights. Unlike Real IDs, they also allow you to return to the U.S. by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, and some countries in the Caribbean. They are not acceptable for air travel between these countries, however. That said, you should always double-check with your travel agent, cruise line, or country of destination to verify your travel document requirements.
If you want an enhanced driver’s license, it’s going to cost extra. You’ll pay an additional $15 for an upgrade in Washington ($35 for a first-time EDL) and an additional $45 in Michigan.
Passports: Helpful, but not Needed
If you would like to benefit from world travel as you venture into adulthood, that’s great! World travel can be incredibly enriching, helping you explore new cultures and cuisines and maintain an active lifestyle. You’ll get to see places you’ve only read about in your history books thus far, and it provides practical education as you soak up the history and vibrance of another community. Best of all, you can find new friends as you travel! Before you can do any of these things, though, you’ll need to learn how to get a passport.
Start by completing your U.S. passport application. Decide whether you need an adult passport book (for international air travel) or an adult passport card (valid for travel by land and sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean). Pay the appropriate fees for the passport you need. Note: Passports are costly–upwards of $100. Remember, passports are good for a full 10 years if you’re over the age of 18. They’re a worthwhile investment.
From there, you can take your passport photos. There are certain requirements for passport photos that you or your photographer will need to follow. You’ll also need to provide Citizenship evidence (this can be a photocopy of your birth certificate or a second certified copy that they’ll keep. This will need to be a physical copy, not a digital one.) You’ll also need to provide your Driver’s License or ID card, along with a photocopy of it.
The last thing you’ll need to do is know where to apply. This will depend upon how quickly you need a passport. If you want yours in 12-18 weeks, you can ask to expedite the order at an acceptance facility. If you’re in no hurry at all and can get it in more than 18 weeks from today, you can apply at an acceptance facility without needing to expedite it. (If you’re working on a quicker timeline, click here to find out where to apply.)
Tips for Teens and Young Adults
I hope you’ve found these tips helpful as you venture into the world of adulting. I’ve done my best to list the required documents in order so that you’ll be able to get on your feet more quickly and with the least frustration possible. You’ll definitely need a birth certificate, social security card, and Driver’s License or ID card in order to enjoy all the benefits of adulthood. Although it’s not required, a passport is a nice addition to your identification documents that can literally open up a world of possibilities to you. If you’ve enjoyed these tips, feel free to check out my blog, where I share other helpful tips on how to become a successful adult. As always, feel free to get in touch if you have any questions, comments.
