The Five Essential IDs to Digitize Right Now

A few weeks back, my partner attended a social gathering in New York City—the first of its kind for him since the pandemic started. As he prepared, we realized he needed his vaccination card, as many indoor venues in NYC now request proof of vaccination for entry. (Isn’t it great that NYC has implemented this?) Initially, I suggested he just tuck the card into his wallet, but then I reconsidered. Losing that card would be a hassle, especially since you can’t easily get a replacement. Plus, he has a track record of misplacing important items—don’t even get me started on that.

I recommended that he snap a picture of his vaccine card, but then I worried about the possibility of someone finding his phone and accessing the image. Luckily, we remembered NYC offers a digital vaccine pass, the Excelsior Pass, which features a scannable QR code. He ended up using that, and it worked flawlessly.

This experience got me thinking about how outdated it is to carry physical IDs and important documents in this digital age. It’s 2021—why are we still relying on paper or plastic to hold vital information? I figured there must be ways to digitize much of what we keep in our wallets as backups in case they’re lost or stolen. Plus, there should be safer methods to store this data on smartphones rather than just letting it sit in the camera roll.

Which IDs Should You Digitize?

According to USA Today, keeping digital copies of your most important documents is a smart move. You never know when you might need them, and having quick access is crucial. Let’s be honest: most of us carry our phones everywhere, even when we forget our physical IDs. Here are some essential documents you should consider digitizing:

COVID-19 Vaccine Card
As more venues require vaccination proof, having a digital version of your card is far more practical than a flimsy paper copy, especially since replacements can be tricky.
Driver’s License
This is often our primary form of ID. If you’re ever pulled over or need to prove your identity, having a digital backup is invaluable, especially if you don’t always carry your wallet.
Car Information/Insurance Details
Keeping your car’s license plate number and VIN handy is crucial. You may not always have access to your vehicle, but having these details digitally stored will be beneficial, especially in emergencies like theft.
Health Insurance Cards
For parents, having access to your children’s health insurance cards is essential, particularly when multiple caregivers are involved. A digital version of health and dental insurance cards for everyone in the family ensures you’re always prepared.
School/Work/Other IDs
If you don’t have a driver’s license, you likely rely on another form of identification. Keeping a digital version of your state ID, work ID, or student ID is wise.

How to Secure Your Digital IDs

While it makes sense to store your IDs on your phone, security is a valid concern. Simply snapping a picture and saving it to your camera roll isn’t the safest option, and it can be cumbersome to locate in an emergency.

Many organizations offer digital ID versions through apps that are usually password protected. Some states even provide digital driver’s licenses, so check with your provider about available options.

For a DIY approach—like digitizing your COVID vaccine card—there are secure methods to do so. If you’re an iPhone user, you can utilize the Notes app to scan and save documents. Here’s a quick guide:

Open your Notes app and tap the camera icon.
Select “Scan Documents” to capture your vaccine card, which will then embed in your note.
Tap the three dots in the corner, where you can “pin” the note for easy access and “lock” it for added security, ensuring it’s protected with Face ID or a password.

Even if you’re not tech-savvy, digitizing your important documents is manageable. I’m planning to digitize my vaccine card and other essential IDs, and if I can do it, you can too.

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In summary, it’s time to embrace the digital age by keeping important IDs and documents stored securely on your phone. This not only ensures you have quick access when needed but also provides peace of mind against loss or theft.

Keyphrase: Digitizing important IDs

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