Photo ID situation: what can I do?

tapeslinger

So, I am in a weird and stressful situation where I need to get an ID, stat, to replace the one previously on file at my job because my HR department is super coordinated...

at the very least, I need replacement driver's license for an expired license and there are complicated extenuating circumstances. (Also looking at passport as an alternative option.)

There are no points or restrictions on my license... But it has been expired for longer than six months, because of my own issues (I don't drive or own a car, and coordinating the time to get to the dmv is... something irresponsible people put off until "later." and then whoops it's been 8 months)

So, the next component of this problem is that I do not currently possess a physical social security card. Replacement cards can be obtained, but not on an expired photo ID. I don't possess any of the alternative photo ID options.

According to what information I've gotten on the topic, my understanding is that in the issuing state of my photo ID (PA) I'm going to need the social security card present in order to renew my license since I missed the 6-month mark. Thus, engaging this annoying circular situation where I can't get the identification I need because I can't get the identification I need.

I possess: the expired ID; a copy of my birth certificate; I possess pay stubs in my name; a bank card in my name; bank statements in my name (compounding issues, because these are listed to my residence in NJ; I have not been able to transfer my id to NJ because of this same not-possessing-enough-points-of-ID loop). This is literally all I got right now and I am not sure what I can do to fix it.

I totally acknowledge that my situation is dumb and was avoidable at some juncture.

Any suggestions on what I can do as soon as possible would be appreciated. At this point the cost of replacement/new materials is no object, so it's more about figuring out how I can prove I'm still a real person who is still eligible to work in the country of my birth.

Bonus photo of disappointed HR manager:

bowen

What happened to your social security card?

MichaelLC

Really the best option is to take all that stiff down to your DMV and see what they say.

Sounds like any tax records would be helpful as well.

bowen

http://www.ssa.gov/ssnumber/ss5doc.htm

It appears you can get a replacement card without the state issued ID so long as you have other ID. You'll probably need to go down to your local social security department with every piece of ID you can scrounge for.

Bills, bank accounts, health insurance card, old photo IDs, school IDs, etc.

Also, in NJ, you only need 6 points of ID to get a new non-driver ID.

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/NonDriverID.htm
http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/6PointID.htm
http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/pdf/Licenses/ident_ver_posterpint.pdf

Birth certificate is 4 points, and is a primary document.

Then all you need is a secondary document(s). Going by what you told me, you should bring:

- Bank statement with your current address and legal name.
- Health Insurance card (non medicaid/medicare)

Just to CYA you should also bring
- Job issued ID (ask them if they'd give you one pretty please, offer to pay for it)
- High school diploma / GED certificate

tapeslinger

bowen wrote: »

What happened to your social security card?

This is going to sound trashy as hell but basically, it was destroyed in a natural disaster and I figured I would replace it "eventually" because it's a hassle and welp we have established that I am basically the worst at this.

Thank you for the additional information, btw. I think the problem the last time I tried to get NJ ID was that I didn't have anything other than a driver's license (the birth certificate was replaced in the interim, and while I realize this again sounds trashy as hell, until a year ago I didn't even have a bank account) so it looks like I miiight be able to make it work with the PA ID once I get that current... Investigating options.

bowen

Ah no judgement from me, just wondering if maybe it was just in the "might have been stolen" so if I should suggest other things. Don't worry about the bank account, lots of people don't have them, but I'm glad you have one now.

Most states are pretty lenient about issuing ID so long as you can scrounge up enough information from bills and stuff. NY is pretty bad about it, but PA/NJ are a little less bad. Bring more than you need obviously, because I had someone in NY argue with me about one of my ID proofs even though their website said it was kosher (and the form did too) when I was upgrading to a special type of license.

"Well no one's ever used it before so I don't think so" isn't an excuse, Bitchy lady at the NYS DMV.

If you have an up to date ID from PA, you might be able to use that, as well, in NJ. But even if you don't, you probably have enough information to make you a resident without any other state ID.

Don't let it lapse in the future! I know exactly what kind of nightmare this can be.

tapeslinger

Turns out, past self knew I was going to be a total dumbass about this whole thing and ordered the renewal documents (sent to alternate address) months ago, so all I had to do was get to the dmv. I was so sure I had not done that yet. Anyway, <.< disaster averted.

AngelHedgie

Now that disaster is averted for the time being, you should plan ahead (like past you), and put together your core identity documents, and put them somewhere safe. This way, you won't have to go through this ever again.

tapeslinger

Already on it, thanks!