New York State Professional Photo Identification (ID) Program

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The increased attention to disaster preparedness in recent years has emphasized the important role that licensed professionals have in addressing critical needs when they arise. To help ensure that licensed professionals can quickly and easily be identified as New York State licensed professionals as they carryout their professional activities day-to-day as well as in times of emergency, the New York State Education Department is now offering all NYS licensed and registered professionals the opportunity to be issued a professional photo ID card.

The ID card will include the professional’s name, profession, license number, signature, DMV identification number, and an expiration date that will coincide with the expiration date of their professional license registration. We are pleased to offer these photo IDs based upon feedback from the State Boards for the Professions, professional associations, and others in response to requests for ideas on how we could strengthen the services we provide to NYS licensed professionals.

Newly registered licensees and licensees with at least four months left in their registration period can request an application for an ID by contacting the Registration & Fees Unit. Please note that the ID card will expire at the same time the professional licensee’s registration expires.

Questions and Answers

• 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 drivers license, your name, profession, license number, DMV identification number and expiration date (this date coincides with the expiration date of your professional license registration).
  
• 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.
  
• I am licensed and just renewed my registration. How can I obtain a Professional Photo ID Card application?
  You can request an application for an ID by contacting the Registration & Fees Unit.
  
• 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 have more than 4 months remaining on your registration period. The Professional Photo ID Card expires at the end of your current registration period no matter when you apply for it. For an application, call the Registration & Fees Unit.
  
• Who can get a Professional Photo Identification Card?
  All licensed and currently registered professionals can apply for a card. (Please Note: You must have 4 or more months remaining on your registration period to apply.)
  
• 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.
  
• What is the cost of the Professional Photo ID Card?
  The cost is $30.
  
• How long is the Professional Photo ID Card valid?
  Professional Photo ID Cards expire on the same date that your registration period expires. You can reapply for a Professional Photo ID Card each time you renew your registration.
  
• 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.
  
• Will the Professional Photo ID Card show privileges?
  No. Professional Photo ID Cards will not contain privilege information.
  
• What if I live outside New York State or do not have a New York State Drivers 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, 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.
  
• 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.
  
• Who do I contact to get an application for a Professional Photo ID Card?
  Call the Registration & Fees Unit.

University of the State of New York - New York State Education Department