Question about ID for a 16 year old

[lanejudy]

Can you use a Social Security card?

No, a Social Security card cannot be used as ID. I believe it states that directly on the card; besides it doesn’t have a photo so doesn’t really prove you are the person named.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

No, a Social Security card cannot be used as ID. I believe it states that directly on the card; besides it doesn’t have a photo so doesn’t really prove you are the person named.

 

[ChanMom]

Late driver here: I wish I had just gotten a state ID before I left for college. Bringing a passport to 18+/21+ places was obnoxious.

I had a passport first because of international travel in high school, but they aren't convenient to carry.

If you get the passport card with the book it's only an extra $30. I got it because I thought using the book when flying domestically would be obnoxious.

 

[msmama]

If your child can't get a drivers license soon, I'd get them some kind of ID, ASAP, not just for travel.

My 16 year old needed his ID for the SATs over the weekend, and needs them it in a few days for AP exams. Once they hit that age, it seems like everybody wants ID!! We use his passport because we have it, but it's always a bit nerve wracking carrying it around.

 

[TillyMarigold]

All states will issue a non-driver ID. I would recommend getting that, and check on the DMV website to see what documents/information you need to bring make sure it is a "Real ID" so she can use it as a form of ID to board a plane.

However, not all states will issue them to a 16-year-old. My state has a driving age of 17 and only issues state IDs to people who are eligible for licenses.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

However, not all states will issue them to a 16-year-old. My state has a driving age of 17 and only issues state IDs to people who are eligible for licenses.

what state is that?

 

[dreamer17555]

Can you use a Social Security card?

If not, I highly recommend getting a passport or state ID. My son got his driver's license at 16. Before that, we had issues with him taking standardized tests like the AP, CLEP and SAT. The College Board requires a government issued ID.

No, a SS card will not work. It needs to either be a state ID or passport.

 

[jwalk03]

However, not all states will issue them to a 16-year-old. My state has a driving age of 17 and only issues state IDs to people who are eligible for licenses.

Really? There has to be a way to get a state ID other than a driver's license. Some people are never able to drive.

 

[Marrila]

Really? There has to be a way to get a state ID other than a driver's license. Some people are never able to drive.

I think they implied there is. But it sounds like the individual must be at least 17.

 

[lanejudy]

However, not all states will issue them to a 16-year-old. My state has a driving age of 17 and only issues state IDs to people who are eligible for licenses.

Are you in NJ? NJ will issue a non-driver's ID as young as 14 yrs old.

 

[TillyMarigold]

Are you in NJ? NJ will issue a non-driver's ID as young as 14 yrs old.

I actually looked this up during my lunch break, and you are correct. They now issue it as young as 14. The last time I checked, you had to be eligible for a driver license. (Which was particularly stupid in the sense that they used to not give them to people whose license was suspended. But they have changed that also.)

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I actually looked this up during my lunch break, and you are correct. They now issue it as young as 14. The last time I checked, you had to be eligible for a driver license. (Which was particularly stupid in the sense that they used to not give them to people whose license was suspended. But they have changed that also.)

What's the point of restricting the age of the person wanting an ID, who has no intent (or ability) to drive? IDs are necessary for any number of reasons. Even for a child.

 

[Disnsyncey]

What's the point of restricting the age of the person wanting an ID, who has no intent (or ability) to drive? IDs are necessary for any number of reasons. Even for a child.

I always say, if the person is able to be by themselves and lose consciousness, they should have an ID on them to be able to know who they are....

here in GA, my friend's kid is 12 and walks home from school and he has one.....

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I always say, if the person is able to be by themselves and lose consciousness, they should have an ID on them to be able to know who they are....

here in GA, my friend's kid is 12 and walks home from school and he has one.....

Yeah that's my TIL moment.

In my state there is no minimum age to get a non-driver's ID. If you are under 16 you need a parent or guardian present (who has their own photo ID) and if you are a minor (which would then cover a 16 and 17 yr old) but don't have with you proof of address then your parent/guardian/even step-parent can sign off on a certification of address by providing 2 documents of address verification coming from the adult.

From what I could find the state next to me also doesn't have a minimum age.

It's all tied to providing the correct documentation and certain rules about who is with you when you get the non-driver's license ID.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Late comment but so long as the timeframe isn't a big crunch I would go with a passport since the child in question is 16 yrs old which allows them to get an adult passport that is good for 10 years.

 

[Kit Jackson]

Late comment but so long as the timeframe isn't a big crunch I would go with a passport since the child in question is 16 yrs old which allows them to get an adult passport that is good for 10 years.

Another advantage would be the ability to purchase a passport card at the same time, which is just as convenient as a regular wallet sized State ID card.

 

[mjkacmom]

I actually looked this up during my lunch break, and you are correct. They now issue it as young as 14. The last time I checked, you had to be eligible for a driver license. (Which was particularly stupid in the sense that they used to not give them to people whose license was suspended. But they have changed that also.)

I’ve lived in NJ for 55 years, 16 year olds could always get ID, kids need ID for many things at 16 and NJ has a late license.

 

[Girl of the South]

“
The passport card is for U.S. citizens who travel by land and sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean countries.

The card is not valid for international travel by air and is cheaper than the passport book.”

But is is Real ID compliant for domestic air travel.