NPPA Member ID

Despite assertions to the contrary there is no such thing as a universal press pass. No one pass/credential exists that will guarantee access to any/all events (news, sports, entertainment).

The NPPA Member Photo ID cards (hereinafter “ID”) are for identification purposes only. Possession/Display of said ID DOES NOT guarantee access/permission/admission to events/ accident/crime/fire scenes.

Please use caution and common sense when dealing with any other organization that makes claims that their card/credential/pass will serve such a purpose. Such organizations that promise “guaranteed access” credentials may not be able to deliver all that they promise.

These credentials are for NPPA members only and are not issued for use by any other person(s). Failure to complete all of the ID application requirements will result in the rejection of your application. Misrepresenting yourself as an NPPA member in good standing when in fact you are not may result in legal action against you.

When covering an event do not interfere with other photographers, event personnel or attendees. When covering spot news situations be aware of police and fire lines along with local protocol/procedures/guidelines for covering such events. Do not interfere with emergency personnel. Act professionally and adhere to the NPPA Code of Ethics at all times.

Any notice to the NPPA of unprofessional or unethical behavior by a member will be referred to the NPPA Judiciary Committee and could result in disciplinary action up to and including the loss of membership.

Before you are granted an ID you must reaffirm your pledge to uphold the NPPA Code of Ethics.

NPPA Member Photo ID FAQ’s

• Q

  Who sells and ships the Member Photo ID?

  A

  Your card order is processed and fulfilled by MLAD, the company that does the printing and reproduction of our News Photographer Magazine. You must buy the ID through the link provided, but you can find contact information on their website if you have questions about shipping or your order: http://www.mlad.com/

• Q

  Is the member ID card available in more than one size and what are the specs?

  A

  Yes, choose from two sizes. Large IDs, 3-1/2" x 5-1/2" are printed on high quality heavyweight paper, then laminated with edge seal, include a lanynard, and can be purchased for $29.95. The small IDs are 2-1/8" x 3-3/8" and printed on a white PVC card, include a lanyard and can be purchased for $19.95. Receive a 15% discount when ordering any combination of the two.

• Q

  Does this program cost me anything?

  A

  Yes. The charge for the ID is $19.95 for the smaller size and $29.95 for the larger size. These prices include a lanyard and US shipping costs. If you live overseas or want a quicker delivery time, there are additional charges. In order for the NPPA to make this as affordable as possible for its members, the price has been set to cover the cost of labor, postage, materials and administration.

• Q

  If I do not wish to keep my NPPA ID can I get a refund?

  A

  No. Due to the customized nature of the IDs no refunds will be issued. Please double-check and confirm all of your identifying information for accuracy before submitting your final purchase to avoid receiving a card with incorrect information.

• Q

  Can any member purchase an NPPA ID?

  A

  No. The ID is intended for working, professional visual journalists only. All NPPA member types, except for students and retirees, may purchase an ID. If you would like to upgrade your membership you may do so by renewing at the professional level prior to applying for the ID.

• Q

  What are the requirements for obtaining an NPPA ID?

  A

  You must: be a professional level member (or life member) in good standing; provide all the information required in the purchasing process; reaffirm your pledge to uphold the NPPA Code of Ethics; agree to the terms and conditions associated with this program.

• Q

  How long will the process take?

  A

  Orders will ship within two business days.

• Q

  When will my NPPA Member Photo ID card expire?

  A

  Your ID card will have the same expiration date as your annual NPPA membership. You must be an NPPA member (at the professional level) in good standing in order to posses a valid ID.

• Q

  What if my NPPA Membership expires next month (or within a few months) but I would like a NPPA ID now?

  A

  You should renew/upgrade your NPPA membership prior to applying for an ID. That way, the ID expiration date will be the same as your annual NPPA membership expiration date. In the case where your membership expires next month renewing now would continue your membership for the next 13 months. The number of months remaining in your previous membership will determine your new expiration date but in no case will it be for more than 36 months.

  N.B. Your ID expires on the same date as your membership. That expiration date is displayed prominently on the front of the card. Please make any renewals, if that is your intention, prior to purchasing the card so as not to incur additional costs.

• Q

  In what format should I provide my picture for the NPPA ID?

  A

  The photo must be in JPEG format with a minimum size of 224x300 pixels.

• Q

  Can these NPPA Member Photo ID cards be used as press credentials?

  A

  The ID IS NOT a Press Credential. The ID is issued solely for the purpose of identifying NPPA members in good standing who have agreed to uphold the NPPA Code of Ethics. At the sole responsibility and liability of the Bearer, the ID may be used for identification purposes only. The NPPA and/or any other agency, officer or entity thereof disclaims any and all legal liability or responsibility for the use of the ID other than to identify the person whose name and photo appears thereupon as a member of the NPPA. Use of said ID by the Bearer does not constitute or imply an endorsement, recommendation, promotion or certification by the NPPA. Issuance by the NPPA of said ID does not constitute or imply that by presenting and/or displaying said ID, the bearer is entitled to obtain credentials of any type (including but not limited to: press, police, fire, event).

• Q

  Does the NPPA Member Photo ID card guarantee passage through police lines?

  A

  The ID is meant solely to identify the bearer as a member in good standing who has agreed to uphold the NPPA Code of Ethics. Issuance by the NPPA of said ID does not constitute or imply that by presenting and/or displaying said ID, the bearer is entitled to obtain credentials of any type (including but not limited to: press, police, fire, event). While some law enforcement agencies may accept the ID as persuasive evidence that the Bearer is a legitimate news media representative, it is not by itself a press credential. Once again - issuance by the NPPA of said ID does not constitute or imply that by presenting and/or displaying said ID, the bearer is entitled to obtain credentials of any type (including but not limited to: press, police, fire, event). If a law enforcement agency needs clarification of your NPPA membership status, a website is printed on the ID for such purpose. It is the sole responsibility of the member to make sure that his/her status is correctly listed on said site.

• Q

  What if my local law enforcement agency accepts the NPPA ID as a press credential?

  A

  The NPPA recommends that you send an e-mail to info@nppa.org informing us of which agencies/venues/organizations have recognized/accepted the ID.

• Q

  Who should I contact if the answers below do not address my questions?

  A

  Please contact the NPPA staff: 919-383-7246 x16, info@nppa.org

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF NPPA ID (“ID”)

Each member (“Bearer”) applying for or using an ID acknowledges and agrees to the following:

1. The National Press Photographers Association (“NPPA”) is not liable for any incidental, consequential, direct or indirect damages (including but not limited to damages for loss of revenue, business interruption, expenses and the like) arising from the use, misuse and/or the inability to use the National Press Photographers Association’s Member Photo ID Card (ID).
2. The Bearer agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the National Press Photographers Association, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against all losses, expenses, damages and costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, resulting from any violation of this agreement (including negligent or wrongful conduct) by the Bearer or any other person using/displaying said ID.
3. Any rights and privileges granted to Bearer shall automatically terminate if any term of this credential shall be breached.
4. The Bearer acknowledges receipt and review of, and agrees to be bound by, these terms and conditions.

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