Having trouble cashing checks without valid ID… any advice?

I’ve got two checks that I’m trying to cash, but I’m running into issues because my only ID is expired. I can’t renew it right now since my Social Security card and birth certificate were lost, and I’m only banking with Venmo at the moment. Does anyone know of any options to get these cashed while I work on fixing the ID situation?

You’re going to need a current ID to open a bank account or cash a check if you’re not a customer at the issuing bank. Does Venmo allow mobile deposits?

Honestly, fixing your ID situation might be a bigger priority than cashing the checks right now.

Is it an ID or a driver’s license? Here in Louisiana, you can go to the DMV with an expired ID and renew it. If it’s a license, it might be different.

If you need a birth certificate to get a new ID, you can also order one online. It might be a bit more costly, but you don’t have to send in any ID copies.

@Zephyr
Thanks, that might work! It’s an Oregon ID, but I’m in NYC now where I was born, so no old ID here. Appreciate the advice.

OceanBreeze said:
@Zephyr
Thanks, that might work! It’s an Oregon ID, but I’m in NYC now where I was born, so no old ID here. Appreciate the advice.

Oh, gotcha. In that case, ordering one might be easiest. There are services that charge extra, but they make the process simpler. Good luck with it!

OceanBreeze said:
@Zephyr
Thanks, that might work! It’s an Oregon ID, but I’m in NYC now where I was born, so no old ID here. Appreciate the advice.

Since you’re in NYC where you were born, you might be able to replace your birth certificate in person.

Do you have a Venmo debit card? If so, maybe you could deposit the checks to Venmo, wait for it to clear, and use the debit card to renew your ID. If that’s not possible, maybe you can ask whoever wrote the check to pay you in cash instead.

@Barbara4
Unfortunately, Venmo doesn’t do check deposits in New York. The checks are from a bar where I used to work, and I said checks were fine since I thought I’d have this sorted out by now. I may have to ask for cash after all. Thanks for the suggestion.

Until you get a valid ID, you’re pretty much out of luck.

Maybe try a check-cashing place, though they might take 5-10% if you don’t have ID. Or you could endorse the check over to a friend who can deposit it for you, but check with the bank first to make sure it’s allowed.

Have you thought about opening a bank account online? Some don’t require an ID, just a Social Security number. You’d still have to wait for the debit card to arrive to make deposits, and mobile deposit might have a hold for new accounts, though.

Trying to cash checks with an expired ID from another state can look suspicious, unfortunately.

Why not just deposit them?

Is the check legit? If so, maybe a friend could cash it for you at their bank in exchange for a small fee or a lunch. Make sure they have enough to cover the amount in case anything goes wrong.

Vic said:
Is the check legit? If so, maybe a friend could cash it for you at their bank in exchange for a small fee or a lunch. Make sure they have enough to cover the amount in case anything goes wrong.

Might have to try that, thanks.

@OceanBreeze
These days, most banks want both parties to show ID, so it might not work.