Legal Question in Administrative Law in New York

Re: obtaining identification

Try the following URL

http://fornax.dmv.state.ny.us/scripts/rightnow.cfg/php.exe/enduser/std_alp.php

It should open the New York DMV's web information site, which includes information about obtaining ID cards.

If you are unable to find the site, contact a Department of Motor Vehicles office near where you live.

In most states, you can get an official ID card by filling out an application in person and having a photo and a thumb print taken. You will also need proof of age and probably of citizenship. Whether a photocopy of a birth certificate is acceptable in New York, I can't say.

If you need an official, certified copy of your birth certificate, you need to apply to the County Clerk in the California county of your birth. It used to be the County Recorder, but I believe this was recently changed in all counties.

Due to the increased prevalence of identity theft, it is much tougher to get certified copies of birth certificates and probably tougher to get official ID cards as well. Good luck, it may not be easy!