Okay, so, I’ve been trying to get an ID card from American Samoa, and let me tell you, it’s been a journey. I figured I’d share my experience, in case anyone else is thinking about doing the same.
First off, I had to find out what the requirements were. Apparently, you can’t just walk in and get one like you’re buying a candy bar. They need some proof you’re actually connected to American Samoa. Seems fair enough.
So, I started digging. I found out that I needed a birth certificate, but it had to be verified by some office there. That was the first hurdle. I mean, how do you verify a document from thousands of miles away? I started by calling around, I had to make a bunch of calls and send emails to try to get that sorted out. I spent hours on the phone, sometimes just on hold. Oh, and there’s also a $15 fee for the ID card, which, I guess, isn’t too bad.

Next, I learned about the application forms. They’re made by the Registrar of Vital Statistics, who is in charge of issuing these ID cards. So I had to get those forms. This involved more calls and emails. It was a real back-and-forth situation. I managed to get the forms, filled them out, and sent them in, along with the fee.
After that, it was a waiting game. I kept checking my mail every day, hoping to see that ID card. It took a while, but finally, it arrived! It was a relief to finally have it in my hands after all that effort.
Then I found out that it is actually a temporary travel document that can be used as an emergency ID card, called a “CI” issued by the Office of the Attorney General. It allows you to travel from American Samoa to a few places, including the U.S. and Samoa.
I also learned that there’s a way to get a government-approved photo ID card through the post office. That sounds way easier, and it’s good in all the states. If I had known that before, I might have just done that instead.
Here’s what I learned from this whole experience:
- You need a verified birth certificate from American Samoa.
- There’s a $15 fee for the ID card.
- You need to get and fill out application forms from the Registrar of Vital Statistics.
- It takes time and patience to go through the whole process.
- There might be easier ways to get a photo ID, like through the post office.
Anyway, that’s my story about getting an American Samoa ID card. It was definitely an experience, and hopefully, my little adventure here can help someone else out there. If you have any questions, feel free to ask, though I’m no expert, just a guy who went through a lot of hassle for an ID card!