Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About...
How to Get Emergency Contraception
Will I need identification to buy emergency contraception?
In the United States, there are currently three different brands of emergency contraceptive pills. There are different age restrictions for one of these pills, so it can be a bit confusing. The different age restrictions only affect you if you are 17 years old; if you are 17 and need emergency contraception, be sure to call the pharmacy first to find out whether you need a prescription. Plan B One-Step and Next Choice are available over-the-counter to women and men aged 17 and older (by prescription if you are younger). Plan B is available over-the-counter to women and men 18 and older (click here for more info). Because of the age restriction, proof of age will probably be required for over-the-counter purchase of emergency contraception. Any government-issued identification that includes proof of age should be accepted by the pharmacist. Examples of government-issued identification include but are not limited to:
- United States passport (unexpired or expired).
- Alien Registration Receipt Card or Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551.
- An unexpired foreign passport that contains a temporary I-551 stamp.
- An unexpired Employment Authorization Document issued by the Immigration and Naturalization Service which contains a photograph, Form I-766; Form I-688, Form I-688A, or Form I-688B.
- In the case of a nonimmigrant alien authorized to work for a specific employer incident to status, an unexpired foreign passport with an Arrival-Departure Record, Form I-94, bearing the same name as the passport and containing an endorsement of the alien's nonimmigrant status, so long as the period of endorsement has not yet expired and the proposed employment is not in conflict with any restrictions or limitations identified on the Form I-94.
- A driver's license or identification card containing a photograph, issued by a state or an outlying possession of the United States. If the driver's license or identification card does not contain a photograph, identifying information shall be included such as: name, date of birth, sex, height, color of eyes, and address.
- School identification card with a photograph.
- Voter's registration card.
- U.S. military card or draft record.
- Identification card issued by Federal, State, or local government agencies or entities. If the identification card does not contain a photograph, identifying information shall be included such as: name, date of birth, sex, height, color of eyes, and address.
- Military dependent's identification card.
- Native American tribal documents.
- United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card.
- Driver's license issued by a Canadian government authority.