Reentry Identification

The Key to Successful Reentry is Getting Identification Documents Early!

The first step to reentry success is getting your identification documents in order. It may take months for requested documents to arrive - so, apply for them as soon as is practical given your unique circumstances. 

Driver's License or Identification Card

To apply for a government-issued driver's license, identification card, or instruction permit in your state of legal residence, you must present a copy of an unexpired government- issued driver's license, instruction permit or identification card.

If you do not have an unexpired government-issued driver's license, identification card, or instruction permit you may usually present one primary and one secondary document from an approved document list. Pursuant to the REAL ID Act, the primary document must contain your full legal name (first, middle and last) and month, day and year of birth regardless of the state or territory applying to. Each agency has its own rules and regulations regarding issuance which can be learned by contacting them directly.

Additional Information:
State Driver License & Identification Card Offices

Social Security Card

Social Security is part of almost everyone's life, no matter what your age or social standing. If you have never applied for a Social Security card and are over the age of 12, you are required to apply in-person and provide at least two documents to prove age, identity, and U.S. citizenship or current lawful work-authorized immigration status. To apply for a replacement Social Security card, you are required to provide one document to prove your identity.
As an incarcerated individual, you may be eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card through your institution. Check with an appropriate staff member to see if your institution has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Social Security Administration which allows authorized institution staff members to apply on your behalf for a replacement Social Security card. If not, you are encouraged to obtain as many other identification documents as possible prior to your release.

You may contact the Social Security Administration directly for up-to-date application procedures. There is no fee associated with requesting a new or replacement Social Security card.

Social Security Administration Office of Public Inquiry                                     
6401 Security Boulevard                                                                           
Baltimore, MD 21235                                                                                

Additional Information
Application for a Social Security Card, Form SS-5 
Consent for Release of Information, Form SSA-3288

U.S Passport 

U.S. Passports are issued by the U.S. Department of State to citizens and nationals of the United States to provide documentation for foreign travel. A U.S. Passport book or card may also be used as official government-issued photo identification.
You may contact the U.S. Department of State directly for up-to-date application procedures and associated fees.

U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, NW
Washington, DC 20520

Additional Information
U.S. Passport Application, Form DS-11

Vital Records - Birth, Death, Marriage & Divorce

Write to the Office of Vital Records and Statistics (the name of this office may vary slightly by jurisdiction) for the state or territory where the event occurred. A certified copy of your birth certificate is considered a primary form of identification under the REAL ID Act and provides proof of full legal name (first, middle and last), month, day and year of birth, and citizenship.

When applicable, requesting a certified copy of a marriage or divorce record may also serve as an essential piece of identification when applying for a government-issued driver's license, identification card or instruction permit and in some instances government benefits.

You may contact the Office of Vital Records and Statistics in the state or territory where the event occurred directly for up-to-date application procedures and associated fees.

Additional Information:
State Vital Record Offices

Military Discharge Papers

If you are a Veteran (regardless of discharge status), a copy of your Report of Separation (DD-214), is often a useful form of identification. It may also prove program eligibility when applying for certain government benefits.
You may contact the National Personnel Records Center directly for up-to-date application procedures. There is no fee associated with requesting an official Report of Separation.

National Personnel Records Center
Military Personnel Records
1 Archives Drive
St. Louis, MO 63138

Additional Information:
Request for Military Personnel Records, Standard Form 180

Release Identification

Upon discharge from your term of imprisonment, you will be issued release papers (discharge papers), an institution-is-sued photo identification card and in most instances a debit card. These documents should be retained as verification of your incarceration and may serve as proof of identity and program eligibility when applying for certain government benefits.

 

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