Do you have to have one to compete? I know schools/coach have to register from what I understand but as a individual competitor do you have to pay for a membership to compete in one of the events? 
Yes.
Thanks
After you have a card number (which i used to register), do you need to have the physical card in order to compete or just your normal ID? I have not received the card from them yet...
If you have your membership number and your legal ID, just go to the membership card desk and they will allow you to compete...they can check the status and maybe even provide you with a card at Pans
It took about 2 months after I renewed my membership to get my card
Brown and black belts only.
Last year, you could get a card the event.