The NPPA Member Photo ID cards (hereinafter “ID”) are for identification purposes only. Possession or display of said ID does not guarantee access, permission or admission to events, accident scenes, crime scenes or fire scenes.
Despite assertions to the contrary there is no such thing as a universal press pass. No one pass or credential exists that will guarantee access to any and all events. For information about obtaining press credentials, please read this article.
Please use caution and common sense when dealing with any other organization that makes claims that their card, credential or 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 and 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.
DOES THE NPPA MEMBER ID CARD GUARANTEE PASSAGE THROUGH POLICE LINES?
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.
DO YOU CHARGE FOR THE ID CARD?
Yes. The charge for the ID is $19.95. This price includes a lanyard and US shipping costs. If you live overseas 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.
IS THE MEMBER ID CARD AVAILABLE IN MORE THAN ONE SIZE?
The member ID is available in only one size. The IDs are 2-1/8" x 3-3/8" and printed on a white PVC card, include a lanyard.
ARE THERE REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING THE CARD?
You must: be a 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.
CAN ANY MEMBER PURCHASE AN NPPA ID?
Yes. All NPPA members in good standing (Professional, Student, or Retired) may purchase the ID cards. Student and retired IDs are clearly marked as either student or retired.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO GET THE ID CARD?
Orders will ship within 5-10 business days.
WHEN WILL MY NPPA MEMBER PHOTO ID EXPIRE?
Your ID card will have the same expiration date as your annual NPPA membership. You must be an NPPA member in good standing in order to posses a valid ID.
CAN I GET A REFUND IF I DON'T WANT TO KEEP THE ID CARD?
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.
WHAT IF MY NPPA MEMBERSHIPS EXPIRES SOON BUT I WOULD LIKE AN NPPA ID NOW?
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.
WHAT IS THE FORMAT FOR MY PHOTO FOR THE NPPA ID?
The photo must be in JPEG format with a minimum size of 224x300 pixels.
WHAT IF MY LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY ACCEPTS THE NPPA ID AS A PRESS CREDENTIAL?
The NPPA recommends that you send an e-mail to [email protected] informing us of which agencies/venues/organizations have recognized/accepted the ID.
WHO DO CONTACT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Please contact the NPPA staff: [email protected]
Each member (“Bearer”) applying for or using an NPPA ID acknowledges and agrees to the following:
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").
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.
Any rights and privileges granted to Bearer shall automatically terminate if any term of this credential shall be breached.
The Bearer acknowledges receipt and review of, and agrees to be bound by, these terms and conditions.
