If you are serious about playing chess in the US, you are very likely to need a US Chess Federation ID. The USCF ID is just a member number to identify individuals.
The USCF membership needs to be renewed annually (or every other year if you enroll/renew for two years). The primary benefit of the membership is that you can get a player rating in the official national rating system based on your games in the rated tournaments. Additional benefits include access to the magazines Chess Life and Chess Life for Kids.
Typically, enrolling/renewing for two years is cheaper than for one year. Also, the regular membership is cheaper than the premium membership. In the age groups, the membership for younger kids is cheaper. Family membership plans may be cheaper depending on the number of family members who needs IDs and their ages.
If you just need the ID and don't care much for other benefits, you are fine picking the cheapest option.
Here's how to get your USCF membership and ID:
- Go to the USCF membership page.
- Pick a membership option from the tables shown by clicking on the radio button in front of the dollar amount. For example, a one-year membership for a 5-year-old would be selected as shown below (click to zoom):
- Scroll down and complete the form with the details of the chess player who needs an ID. You may leave the optional fields blank.
- You can thank us (Chess Bug Atlanta) by entering A6047205 in the Membership Appreciation Program field at the bottom as shown below (click to zoom):
Good luck with your chess adventure! Let us know if need any help with the process.