Two of the most important things you can do as an American are 1) vote and 2) travel. One of the ways that many Americans are (were) prevented from doing one or the other is due to lack of a government issued ID. Many Americans are not in possession of a drivers license, non drivers ID or passport due to the cost of paying for these documents... and also the belief that they "don't really need" such documentation.
You will soon need documentation. So will your family.
This Holiday Season, re-route some of those Black Friday/ big screen TV/ holiday booze funds and do some or all of the following:
PULL YOUR OWN CERTIFIED BIRTH CERTIFICATE
The passport, drivers ID and non-drivers ID application process all begin with proof of identity/ citizenship, usually your birth certificate. Many people do not have a certified copy of their own birth certificate. "Certified" just means an official copy with the raised seal. Start with the "vital records" office in the city where you were born. You can walk in, but many vital records (birth, death, marriage docs) can be pulled by mail. By mail, it can take up to six weeks. Start now.
GET YOUR DRIVERS LICENSE OR NON-DRIVERS ID
Instead of standing on line outside in the cold at a "doorbuster sale." Stand on line indoors in the climate - controlled motor vehicles office and get your state issued ID. Get online the other way (the internet), on your states motor vehicles website, to find out what the requirements are ahead of time.
PAY YOUR PARKING TICKETS/ EXCISE TAX
Many cities have their unpaid parking tickets/ excise tax bills online. Re-route some of that holiday shopping money and avoid the late payment penalties and/or "the boot."
GET YOUR PASSPORT
The Passport is like a college degree. Or the gifts given by the Wizard at the end of the Wizard of Oz ((!??!?!)) Its the document that "proves" what you already were inside. There is a lot of paperwork involved and it is relatively expensive. But once you have it, you can use it to verify your identity, your citizenship and to travel outside the country... should you need to leave. The requirements are online at: www.travel.state.gov If you do not get the expedited passport (for an extra fee), it normally takes about a month for processing. Start now.
CHILD SUPPORT
Unpaid back child support can cause harm to your family and to yourself in many different ways. If you owe more than $2500, you are also restricted from getting a passport.
SHINE A LIGHT
If you and your immediate family are in possession of all your citizen/ drivers/ address docs? Hallelu! Now, go forth and help others:
-Help an elderly relative pull their birth certificate.
-Go online a pay someone's parking tickets or excise tax. If you know their last name, license plate, and the municipality where their car is registered, you may be able to pay online. Give the receipt as a Holiday Gift.
-Instead of three ugly sweaters and bottle of scented skin product, give your loved one the funds needed obtain one of these documents. Make an appointment with them to help gather their docs and go with them to the different agencies.
Like a college degree, not having these identifying documents (certified birth certificate, state issued ID, drivers license, proof of paid tickets and car taxes, and your passport) can stop you from moving into... and out of, your own life spaces. Not having that one "little piece of paper" can stop you from moving or moving forward. Life is (already) hard, don't make it harder on yourself by not taking care of your own business. Peace.
And Lets Be Careful Out There.
