Buzz
Many myths surround the Amish lifestyle, but most of them don't hold up under examination. Contrary to popular belief, they aren't as opposed to technology or cars as people think. For instance, some Amish workers might use battery-powered tools or basic computers for business purposes, and they may even accept rides in cars when necessary. However, one common assumption is largely correct: The Amish prefer to avoid having their photos taken.
So, how do they manage identification cards required for activities like voting or writing checks? What happens when they need to prove their identity but can't provide a photo ID? Fortunately, there are a few solutions.
The Amish and Their Views on Photography
To catch you up: When we talk about the Amish, we're referring to a group of people who follow a traditional set of religious beliefs stemming from the Anabaptist movement in the 16th century. This fellowship split into two main groups: the Amish and the Mennonites. The Amish are known for rejecting modern conveniences and prioritize family and labor within their communities. They are primarily located in the northeastern U.S., with large populations in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Ohio, among other states. (Mennonites, on the other hand, are generally more flexible about modern living unless they belong to the more conservative Old Order.)
A key aspect of Amish faith is their rejection of 'graven images,' or anything that they believe could promote vanity or an undue focus on the individual, a principle rooted in the Second Commandment of the Bible. As such, most Amish avoid taking photographs and prefer not to have their images captured. In fact, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a region with a significant Amish population, tourism websites specifically ask visitors to refrain from taking pictures—although there's no legal restriction preventing photography.
To say the Amish take their stance on graven images seriously is an understatement. In 2018, an Amish couple (their identities were kept private) filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, challenging a requirement that the wife submit photographs as part of her citizenship application. She was a legal immigrant from Canada. Arguing that this violated their religious beliefs, they took the matter to court. In 2019, a settlement was reached, with the woman receiving a waiver and being allowed to travel to and from Canada without the need for photo identification.
The Amish and Their Approach to IDs
While photographs aren't strictly necessary unless you're having a mugshot taken, it's easy for the Amish to avoid cameras. However, identification cards present a bigger challenge. These cards are meant to verify identity by matching a person's appearance to their photo. Refusing to comply makes it difficult to obtain things like loans, driver’s licenses, or even pay with checks, creating significant obstacles for the Amish.
As with any religious group, lawmakers at the state and local levels have taken measures to ensure that laws do not interfere with religious practices. In 2019, Virginia enacted a law allowing the issuance of IDs without photos, joining 13 other states with similar legislation. However, there’s a catch: these IDs can’t be used for voting or driving. Philadelphia and Indiana have comparable laws. Since most Amish don’t drive, the restrictions don’t pose a significant issue. Additionally, a driver’s license isn’t needed to operate a horse-drawn buggy, though some communities in Indiana require Amish people to register a license plate for their buggies.
To prevent people from falsely claiming religious objections to having their photo taken, Virginia requires applicants to provide documentation proving they are exempt from Social Security and Medicare due to their beliefs. In some cases, states will stamp 'valid without photo' on the ID to confirm its authenticity.
The requirement for IDs among the Amish is a relatively new development. Since they generally don’t drive cars or fly on airplanes, IDs were not considered essential. However, in recent years, the Amish have found themselves in situations where identification is necessary, such as purchasing over-the-counter medications or pesticides, or for other everyday activities now subject to stricter regulations.
Despite the availability of photo-less IDs, there are still cases where religious beliefs and state laws clash. In 2015, an Amish man filed a lawsuit in Pennsylvania after being unable to buy a firearm without photo identification. Other states have since attempted to pass laws that would allow people with religious exemptions to purchase firearms without needing a photo ID.
This doesn’t mean the Amish never opt for photo IDs. Some Amish teenagers, for example, learn to drive and comply with the Department of Motor Vehicles’ photo requirements to obtain a permit or license. The Amish may also adjust their own rules for practical reasons: a smartphone, for instance, can be useful for running a business, especially when it requires interaction with the outside world. However, it’s unlikely that photos—or selfies, for that matter—will become a common practice anytime soon.
