Photo ID

SA2025

Member
Joined
Jan 6, 2021
Messages
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Long story short, my Drivers License (Photo ID) was run over while it was in my wallet and has some creases in it. All of the information on it is still legible and could still be used as Photo ID, but I am just wondering if a “damaged” photo ID will cause any problems on in-processing day since I don’t have enough time to get a new license in the mail. Anyone have insight on whether this will cause problems? I could go to the DMV and get a paper license (the one they give you while the real one is being made). Would that be valid on I-day? Thank you!
 
@SA2025 Call Admissions-I'm sure you're not the 1st one-good luck!
 
Bring your passport. If you don't have a passport, I would put that on the list of things to do in the next two weeks.
To add to this, if you can't get an appointment to get a passport within the next two weeks, call the office of your MOC or Senator and explain your situation and why you need it. They will help!
 
I called down to my local dmv’s and they said as long as the photo and the information are legible, it’s fine. It still scans as well.
 
I called down to my local dmv’s and they said as long as the photo and the information are legible, it’s fine. It still scans as well.
No doubt what you say is true, but you called the DMV to see if USAFA would accept your ‘damaged’ license.

I would think asking USAFA their thoughts would provide a more relevant answer.

State DMV offices are not well known for their efficiency or knowledge of military procedures
 
Not sure where you are, but "most" States now issue DL's in person at DMV/Tax Collector/County Offices. No need to get a "mail order replacement", you just walk in with your information and paperwork and old license and they take your pic and issue you a new complete laminated license.
 
Not sure where you are, but "most" States now issue DL's in person at DMV/Tax Collector/County Offices. No need to get a "mail order replacement", you just walk in with your information and paperwork and old license and they take your pic and issue you a new complete laminated license.
I can't speak for most states, but I haven't had a laminated license since the 1990s. In my state, if you go to get a replacement license, they poke holes through your current license, take your picture, and give you a piece of paper that is your temporary license until your new, Real ID license comes in the mail. It is not laminated, but rather a hard card with many security features built-in.
 
Unfortunately my state issues temporary printed ID’s until the actual one is mailed. I reached out to my USAFA counselor so we will see what they say. Ideally I can use it but if I need to accompany it with the printed license I have no problem going in to obtain one.
 
Not sure where you are, but "most" States now issue DL's in person at DMV/Tax Collector/County Offices. No need to get a "mail order replacement", you just walk in with your information and paperwork and old license and they take your pic and issue you a new complete laminated license.

Since Covid you can’t go to the DMV in person for much of anything in our state. Getting a new DL is one thing that you can, but you need to have everything ready online ahead of time and make an appointment. You walk in, go to a kiosk and type in your confirmation number, get a picture taken, and they mail you the new DL. No contact.

Stealth_81
 
I can't speak for most states, but I haven't had a laminated license since the 1990s. In my state, if you go to get a replacement license, they poke holes through your current license, take your picture, and give you a piece of paper that is your temporary license until your new, Real ID license comes in the mail. It is not laminated, but rather a hard card with many security features built-in.
I mis-spoke, sorry, you are correct in that new licenses are hard plastic and NOT laminated. In Florida you can walk in and get a new replacement license (Real ID or not) on the spot. It is crazy that some states don't have the technology to make DL's in person, they have machines that can make CAC Cards, PIV Cards, VA Cards, the "new" retired military ID cards (that are basically CAC cards), and Real ID's in person, why certain states cannot is strange.
 
I can't speak for most states, but I haven't had a laminated license since the 1990s. In my state, if you go to get a replacement license, they poke holes through your current license, take your picture, and give you a piece of paper that is your temporary license until your new, Real ID license comes in the mail. It is not laminated, but rather a hard card with many security features built-in.
And, they tend to punch holes in your license prior to asking if you have any pending travel. Happened to me a couple of years ago, our state is archaic and gives you a temporary paper license. The airline wouldn't accept my hole punched ID. Had to reschedule travel as my passport was expired.

Also, I didn't think our kid would have international travel options so soon in his time at USNA, but he did. I was VERY grateful we had gotten him his passport prior to reporting. Without any undue stress, I would recommend anyone who can get that process started to do so.
 
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