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Questions & Answers Regarding Photo IDs

  1. What is a Professional Photo ID Card?

    This is a wallet size card that has your photo and signature as they appear on your NYS driver license, your name, profession, license number, DMV identification number and expiration date (this date coincides with the expiration date of your of your professional license registration).
     
  2. Why would a licensed and registered professional need or want a Professional Photo ID card when we already have a license document and a registration certificate?

    Professional Photo ID Cards are offered to ease proper identification of professional licensees in day-to-day professional activities as well as in times of critical need. With increased emphasis on disaster preparedness has come the acute awareness that New York State’s vast resource of licensed professionals are key to any plan to address critical needs when they arise and Professional Photo ID cards will greatly facilitate the provision of needed services in an emergency.
     
  3. How can I apply for a Professional Photo ID Card?

    When renewing online, you will be given the option on the payment page to apply for a Photo ID for an additional $30. This option may be chosen at the time of renewal or at a later time during your registration period.
     
  4. What if I want a Photo ID Card before my next registration renewal?

    You are eligible to apply for a Professional Photo ID Card as long as you are currently registered. You may sign into Online Registration to order it. There is a PIN number retrieval function available. The Professional Photo ID Card expires at the end of your current registration period no matter when you apply for it.
     
  5. Who can get a Professional Photo Identification Card?

    All currently registered licensed professionals can apply for a card. (Please Note: You must have 4 or more months remaining on your registration period to apply.)
     
  6. Does the Professional Photo ID Card replace my license parchment or registration certificate?

    No. The Professional Photo Identification Card is in addition to the license and registration documents. The Photo ID may be useful in emergency situations, when a licensed professional works in a setting other than an office, etc.
     
  7. What is the cost of the Professional Photo ID Card?

    The cost is $30.
     
  8. How long is the Professional Photo ID Card valid?

    Professional Photo ID Cards expire on the same date that your registration period expires. You will be given the opportunity to reapply for a Professional Photo ID Card each time you renew your registration.
     
  9. I am licensed in more than one profession, can I get one Professional Photo ID Card that has all the information for both professions?

    No. Each Professional Photo ID Card can contain the information for one profession. If you are licensed in more than one profession and you want a Professional Photo ID for each, you will need to apply and pay separately for each profession.
     
  10. Will the Professional Photo ID Card show privileges?

    No. Professional Photo ID Cards will not contain privilege information.
     
  11. What if I live outside New York State or do not have a New York State Driver License?

    Licensed and registered professionals who live outside New York State who want a Professional Photo ID will need to have a photo taken at a NYS DMV office. This photo is taken at no charge. Before going to a DMV office, licensed professionals need to call the Registration & Fees Unit at 518-474-3817, ext 410 and they will issue a form explaining the process. This is not only useful to the licensed professional but also serves as a reminder to the DMV office staff who may not yet had occasion to provide this free service.
     
  12. I practice my profession with a different name than appears on my New York State Driver License.  Will I be able to obtain a Photo ID?

    No. The name on your professional license issued by the New York State Education Department must match your name on your NYS driver license, non-driver ID card or the name you provide on the form to have your photo taken at a NYS DMV office as discussed above.
     
  13. Who do I contact if I have additional questions about obtaining a Professional Photo ID Card?
    Questions about a Professional Photo ID card or inquiring about the status of a request may be submitted with this form.