To easily verify someone’s data, photo identification will be carried out by matching the person’s face with the ID document that contains their photograph on it. Depending on what is to be verified, each document has a different identification purpose.
When you’re asked to provide a document for photo identification, you have to give them the ones that have your photo. If the document is invalid or expired, you can get a new one from the authority that issued it.
The problem is that you may not know which authority issued the document with a photo ID. Whereas, it’s a simple thing to discover. To help you understand it, we’ll show you a few pieces of information about issuing authorities that include the holders’ photos for identification. Here you go!
What Does Issuing Authority Mean?
An issuing authority is any entity, including an official authority, institution, agency, or individual, authorized to issue documents that are official and important to presenting someone’s identity, status, or authorization.
In addition to establishing someone’s identity, this authority also has the authority to verify it. After all, they hold the key as reliable sources that provide authenticity to official documents. Furthermore, this authority also ensures that the personal identity and legitimacy of individuals are well protected.
What is the Issuing Authority of Photo Identification?
An issuing authority for photo identification is a government institution or official authority that issues certain documents regarding someone’s personal data, which include the person’s photo, commonly only their face.
Also Read: USCIS Receipt Number Explained
Documents with photos actually have a specific purpose, namely, they are used to verify someone’s date by face-to-face identity authentication. This is usually done by authorized parties to individuals they do not personally know, or it is because the person does not have access to the files, directory registries, or information services that contain the person’s data and other personal information.
List of Identification Documents That Contain a Holder’s Photograph
There are various types of valid photo identification forms that are issued by government authorities. The majority of developed nations usually use a single, government-issued document as proof of age or citizenship.
However, some countries, including Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, do not use a single type of document. The following are some types of photo identification documents that are used in the United States:
| Driver’s License | |
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The Department of Motor Vehicle |
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A legal document for anyone to confirm that the person has authorization to operate one or more motor vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, etc. A valid and unexpired driver’s license will be accepted for personal identification since it shows your personal information along with your picture. |
| State ID Card | |
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A state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or U.S. Territory |
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A state ID card, better known as a non-driver’s license, is an official document issued to anyone who does not drive. It serves as photo identification within the state since it contains someone’s personal identity and biometric information. |
| U.S. Passport | |
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The Department of State |
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An official document that is used for international travel to most countries outside the U.S. It contains the holder’s personal information, passport number, expiration date, and photo. So, it could be a valid photo identification to verify someone’s identity. |
| U.S. Passcard | |
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The Department of State |
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A wallet-sized card version of a passport book that serves as an alternative travel document issued to U.S. nationals. It can only be used for international travel by land or sea between the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. This card is valid for photo identification, but in some cases, it may only apply under certain circumstances. |
| Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) | |
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United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) |
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A document, also known as a work permit, is issued to individuals (not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents) who are permitted to legally work in the United States. Since it contains the holder’s photograph, this document can be used for photo identification. |
| Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) | |
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United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) |
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A document issued to non-U.S. citizens to confirm that someone is permitted to live and work in the United States. The person who holds the green card is usually starting to process a naturalized U.S. citizen. This document contains the holder’s personal information, photo, biometric, and expiration date. |
| Tribal Card | |
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Native American Tribal Authorities |
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A document federally recognized as valid photo identification that confirms an individual as a member of a tribe under the tribe’s constitution. If someone holds a tribal card, then they are eligible to receive benefits. However, this card cannot be used for all purposes and will only be used to verify that someone is registered in the tribal program. |
| Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Card | |
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Transportation Security Administration (TSA) |
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An official federal identification card is issued to workers. This card serves as authorized access to allow them into a secure, unrestricted area of the nation’s facilities and vessels. It can be used for photo identification since it contains the holder’s personal identity, biometrics, and photo. |
| Military ID Card | |
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Department of Defense (DoD) |
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A legal card is issued to active-duty armed forces, selected reserve, DoD civilian employees, retirees, and dependents. It serves as an identification document for photo identification. Further, this card can be used to access military services and programs. |
| Postal ID Card | |
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United States Postal Service (USPS) |
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A valid identity card is offered to customers that they can use for certain postal services. The card actually contains proof of the holder’s identity, along with their photos. |
| Veteran ID Card | |
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Veteran Administration (VA) |
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A digital card is issued to individuals who have experience in the military or law enforcement field. The veterans can use it to get discounts at many stores, restaurants, hotels, and businesses.
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| Trusted Traveler Program Card | |
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Department of Homeland Security |
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A document was issued to preapproved members to allow them to use fast lanes in U.S. airports or ports without jumping through lines at U.S. borders. Some types of Trusted Traveler Program cards include Nexus, Sentri cards, Global Entry, and FAST cards. |
| Student ID Card | |
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Educational Institutions |
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A card is issued to students who are officially enrolled in a certain school, college, or any educational institution. They can use it to access various services and facilities, such as labs, libraries, and discounts at local campus businesses. |
Well, those are some of the documents that can legally be used to verify someone’s identity through photo identification. So, if you need one of them, you can visit a certain authority that issues them. Good Luck!!!
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On my daily job, I am a software engineer, programmer & computer technician. My passion is assembling PC hardware, studying Operating System and all things related to computers technology. I also love to make short films for YouTube as a producer. More at about me…
