People often ask if student ID can count as ID.
In general, student ID does not count as ID. Students cannot use their student ID to fly, open a bank account, or buy alcohol. However, student ID can count as ID for some things, such as voting, on an I-9 form to get a job, and at testing centers (such as for the SAT).
When asking if student ID can count as ID, they mean either can student ID be used to verify their identity or can student ID be used to verify their age. Let’s explore both below.
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Can student ID be used as photo ID to verify identity?
Many of the big questions centered around if student ID counts as ID have to do with if student ID can be used as photo ID to verify identity.
Student ID can be used as photo ID to verify identity for voting, on I-9 forms, and at testing centers. Student IDs cannot be used as photo IDs for flying or opening a bank account.
Let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding using student ID as photo ID to verify identity.
Can you use a student ID to vote?
When registering to vote or voting for the first time in a federal election (voting for President or Congress), you have to provide an ID that shows your name and address. If your student ID has your name and address, it is a form of acceptable photo ID.
For state elections, some states, such as Illinois, consider student ID an acceptable form of ID, but other states require government-issued IDs.
You can check what form of ID your state requires.
Can you use a student ID to fly?
Student ID is not a recognized form of valid identification at airport checkpoints. However, for domestic flights presenting a student ID and answering additional questions may be enough to verify identity and allow the person to be able to fly.
The TSA states that they may allow people without valid ID to fly after they verify the person’s identity by collecting additional personal information and completing additional screening (such as a patdown or screening of their carry-on).
In these cases, student ID could be used in conjunction with providing other information to verify a person’s identity.
Note: minors do not have to present ID for domestic flights, and all international trips require a passport.
Can you open a bank account with a student ID?
A student ID cannot be used to verify identity or age when opening a bank account. Banks require government-issued ID.
Can you use a student ID to cash a check?
In general, a student ID cannot be used to cash a check. However, some places will accept student ID if it is paired with another form of verification, such as the person’s birth certificate. The student ID must have the person’s address, photo, and date of birth.
In rare instances, some banks may accept student IDs as identity verification.
If you cannot use your student ID to cash a check and don’t have a government-issued ID, you may be able to cash the check at the bank that issued the check or by endorsing the check and having someone else cash it.
Can student ID be used in PayPal?
PayPal does not consider student ID an acceptable form of ID. PayPal uses a National Database to confirm its account holders’ identities. If PayPal cannot verify their identity, they require proof of ID from a government-issued ID, like a passport or driver’s license.
Check PayPal to learn more about verifying identity.
Can you use a student ID to get a job?
When getting a job, employers must verify the person’s identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Student ID can be used to verify identity if it has a photo.
Verifying identity and work eligibility is done with the I-9 form.
Can a student ID be used for I-9?
Student ID can be used to establish their identity for form I-9 as long as the ID has a photograph, but they must also provide a document to prove employment authorization.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services lists documents that can be used to show employment authorization (it is List C).
Can I use student ID in Binance?
People cannot use a student ID in Binance to verify their identity. Binance only accepts a government-issued ID card, driver’s license, or passport to verify a person’s identity.
Check out Binance to learn more about verifying your identity.
Can student ID be used for SAT?
For SAT test center identity verification, your school-issued student ID from the school you currently attend is an acceptable form of photo ID.
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Can student ID be used as proof of age?
Most situations that require proof of age require government-issued ID and will not accept student IDs. Student ID cannot be used as proof of age for gambling, buying alcohol, or buying tobacco products.
Most questions about using student ID as proof of age are around whether you can buy alcohol or get into clubs with your student ID.
Can you use student ID to buy alcohol?
In general, a government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) is required to buy alcohol. However, if your student ID has your photo, full name, and date of birth, some establishments may accept it.
Check that your student ID has your date of birth (most do not) before you try to use it to buy alcohol.
Can you use student ID to get into clubs?
In general, clubs require government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) to prove that you are above the legal drinking age. Depending on the club and bouncer, some may let you in with your student ID if it has your photo, full name, and date of birth. Some clubs may not card you at all, and others may allow you into the club but not serve you.
Do you need student ID for Freshers?
It is a good idea to have your student ID for Freshers. You may need it when you get your wristband or to attend some events. If you are attending an 18+ event, your student ID will most likely not be accepted to prove your age; you need to bring an official photo ID.
Does Wetherspoons accept student ID?
Wetherspoons does not accept student ID to prove you are 18 years old. All ID has to have a photo, date of birth, and state the validity period on it.
According to Wetherspoons, they accept:
- valid passport
- a UK or Ireland photo card driving license
- a UK military ID
- a UK biometric residence permit (BRP)
- any PASS-accredited proof-of-age card
Now you know when student ID can count as ID and when it cannot.
Please share this post with your friends and leave a comment about any experiences you have had trying to use your student ID as ID.
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My favorite products for student IDs
Thank you for reading this article—I hope you found it helpful! Here are some of my favorite products for taking student ID photos and carrying student IDs that I hope you’ll also find helpful.
Ring light for taking student ID photos: Use a ring light to have your photo well-lit and help make you look good.
Card slots: I think the easiest way to carry your student ID is using card slots that are leather or silicone. They stick on the back of your phone so you will always have it with you and won’t lose it.
To see all of my most up-to-date recommendations for tools and products for students, check out this resource that I made for you!
