Child ID Cards

There is no better way for parents to instantly provide identification of their lost or missing child to authorities than with a child ID card. These can be carried by parents and guardians in their purses and wallets just like a driver's license. For maximum benefit, these child ID cards must be properly prepared and contain the exact information that is required by authorities to find a lost or missing child.

Information on the child ID card should include a photo of the child, date of birth, height, weight, hair color, any special identifying information, and medical information if applicable (for example, if the child is taking medications or has significant allergies). The card should also have contact information for the parents. If a child is injured or lost, the identifying information can help authorities or concerned citizens quickly contact the child's family.

Some ID cards also carry medical emergency information, which can be valuable if your child has special medical requirements. Also, ID cards should be laminated whenever possible, so that they do not become smudged, bent, or tattered. Unfortunately, many ID cards are incomplete or poorly made.

To be truly effective, every parent and guardian should carry ID cards for each of their children. You should also keep an extra card handy for babysitters, relatives, or friends to carry when they are watching your child. It's also valuable for children to carry ID cards on them. If they are injured or lost, the identifying information can help medical and law enforcement personnel assist them and contact you. Your children can keep the cards in their backpacks, wallets, fanny packs, or purses.

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