26 • The Beacon July 17, 2025
Get an ID for your kids this summer
Summer break is in full swing, and the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Ohio School Safety Center are reminding parents that this season is an ideal time to get a state-issued identification card for children and teens. The BMV operates the ID R Kids program as a safety resource for parents and local lawenforcement agencies.
“ Summer brings a lot of activity and movement for kids,” Ohio BMV Registrar Charlie Norman said.“ An ID card not only provides a layer of security, but can also be critical in emergencies or travel situations.” The ID includes important information such as the child’ s name, date of birth and address. It can assist law enforcement in the event your child goes missing and can help confirm identity if a child is traveling alone or needs medical attention. For teenagers, the ID can be helpful for job applications, opening bank accounts or signing up for summer programs.
“ Having a state-issued ID for your child is a smart step every parent can take to support their child’ s safety,” OSSC Executive Director Emily Torok said.“ It’ s a simple tool that can make a big difference.”
In its recently released report, the Ohio Missing Persons Working Group recommended the OSSC and BMV work together to increase awareness about the ID R Kids youth identification card program. In addition to this news release, the two Ohio Department of Public Safety divisions will highlight the program on social media, incorporating mentions of the program in speaking engagements and at conferences and contacting Ohioans directly to ensure they are aware of the program.
An Ohio ID is easy to obtain. Visit any Ohio BMV license agency and provide the child’ s proof of name, date of birth, proof of residency, proof of legal presence and Social Security number( if ever assigned).
Any child under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who also must provide
“ Summer brings a lot of activity and movement for kids. An ID card not only provides a layer of security, but can also be critical in emergencies or travel situations.”
Ohio BMV Registrar Charlie Norman
proof of name, date of birth, proof of residency, proof of legal presence, and Social Security number or their Ohio driver’ s license or state ID.
The ID is $ 10 but free if a child is permanently disabled. For more information on the ID, visit www. bmv. ohio. gov.
Block party set at Chestnut Crossing
The 16th annual Chestnut Crossing Block Party will be held Sunday, Aug. 10 from 4-7 p. m. at 2521 Glenview Way in Coshocton.
There will be free horse rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, carnival games with prizes, a dunk tank, free corn on the cob, hot dogs, snow cones and more. This is a free event to promote family time. Call Angie Cantrell at 740-294-3350 for more information.
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