Where to Get a Press Pass Online

Here are some locations where you can buy or download or sign up for membership in various organizations to become your own free press agent.

1) NPPA National Press Photographers Association - https://nppa.org/page/member-id-page
You can purchase a press ID from them, but I'm not sure the costs. They also have an FAQ page on why it's important to have a good, valid press pass on their press credentials section: https://nppa.org/node/5137

2) Society of Professional Journalists: https://www.spj.org/
Although they don't issue press passes, this can be some identification of an organization you are affiliated with that has strong journalistic integrity and ethics that you can list on your press pass that will help open doors for you.

3) ID Creator: https://www.idcreator.com/id-card-templates/press-pass
This site has a variety of press passes you can use to fill in the blank with your own picture, company name (if you have one, or organization you're with, or list yourself as a blogger, freelance, etc).  There are many to choose from and have good prices.  You simply use their online editor to input the data you want, and they send it to you in the mail laminated and with whatever else it tells you it includes.

4) Big Huge Labs Badge Maker: https://bighugelabs.com/badge.php
Here you can just fill out the form and print out a legitimate looking press pass.  Obviously, it's not official, but it might pass muster to get your foot in the door.  You'll want to laminate it yourself after you've printed it.  Places like Staples or Office Depot will laminate it for you for not much money.

5) PressCredential.com: http://presscredential.com/
Perfect for freelance writers and bloggers, for a fee of $25 they will send you a press pass with the information you give them.  Check their FAQ for full details: http://presscredential.com/faq/

6) Explore Media Credentials, Credentials Google, and more!: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/400398223097657523/
A section on Pinterest about making your own press or media credentials.  I haven't looked at this one too thoroughly so I can't tell you much about it.  But, each picture takes you to a page on a site called GraphicRiver.com where they offer to sell you what looks like a deck of cards, but with your picture and press pass credentials on it.  Find what you like, and it looks pretty cheap for a set of them.  Here's an example: https://graphicriver.net/item/media-credentials-template/3670146

7) Associated Post: http://associatedpost.com/page6/index.html
For a fee of $10 they will make you a member of "Associated Post" an organization I've never heard of, but they have a code of ethics and offer to send you a press pass based on what you do and whatever you fill in on their form.  It sounded kind of sketchy, but they have no negative feedback from the BBB and you can see via their WHOIS info on the domain that it's owned by a company called AmeriDream, Inc. in Edgewater, Florida. https://centralops.net/co/DomainDossier.aspx?addr=http%3a%2f%2fassociatedpost.com&dom_dns=1&dom_whois=1&net_whois=1

8) How to be a Journalist - Part 3 - Show me your Press Pass: http://www.insightoutnews.org/insights/how-to-be-a-diy-journalist-part-3-show-me-your-press-pass-maam/
This is basically a blog post from a person who is trying to be a legitimate reporter, but didn't have any credentials to prove it. So, she explains how to make your own and they are essentially valid, since the US Constitution provides for freedom of speech & freedom of the press - anyone can really be the press, so if there's a will, there's a way.  Lots of good advice in the article, and there's a series of other articles called "How to be a DIY Journalist" you can find here: http://www.insightoutnews.org/category/diy-journo/

9) The Constitution First Amendment Press Association: http://cfapa.org/
With their motto "A Free Press Deserves Free Credentials!" they provide free press credentials for anyone who joins their organization.  I don't think any money is required, but they encourage donations.  Read their site over, and watch the YouTube video for full information about their beliefs and and what they do. https://youtu.be/9MmWzxp0kO4

10) NIC Law Enforcement Supply Deluxe Press Combo Deal: https://www.nles.com/Deluxe-Press-Combo-Deal.html
This is one I purchased in the past when I was running a fulltime blog.  It comes with the following:
* Personalized F301 Press Folio with leather case
* Case available in Black or Brown
* Personalized C01PVC Press ID card
* Press Windshield Pass
* Clear ID holder
* ID card clip
It's kind of pricey at $70, but everything looks very legitimate and with everything it comes with, it will help you get into most any important event and show that you are a true and legit member of the press.