Waugh Introduces Legislation to Allow for Youth Identification Cards

HARRISBURG – State Senator Mike Waugh (R-York) has introduced Senate Bill 1591 to allow parents of children 1 year and older to obtain a state-issued photo identification card, which in turn could be used in place of a birth certificate or Social Security card.

Act 159 of 2006 amended Title 75 (Vehicles) to reduce the age requirement from 16 years of age to 10 years, but this amendment will not take effect until November 29, 2009.  In the meantime, Waugh is hopeful to reduce the requirement yet again to assist parents who find themselves needing to present identification for their children in various situations.

"In today's society, providing identification is ever present, and it is no different for our children," said Waugh.  "From the many sports activities to traveling, a photo ID card can serve in place of a birth certificate or Social Security card."

Waugh introduced SB 1591 in response to a constituent request from parents of three young boys, who are active in youth sports.  Concerned with the ever-increasing threat of identification theft, the parents asked for the age requirement for ID cards to be reduced in order to keep from having to present their children's birth certificates to the organizations in which their children are involved.

"Documents such as birth certificates and Social Security cards hold private information that can be used inappropriately if in the wrong hands," said Waugh.  "While we trust that the organizations our children are involved in are keeping copies of such documents safe, we can never be too cautious."

SB 1591 would not require parents to obtain such photo identification for their children but rather allow them to do so, if they so choose.  PennDOT would however, be required to issue identification upon request from a parent.