Photo Identification Barriers Faced by Homeless Persons

The Impact of September 11

Photo identification is a necessity in daily life. However, many homeless individuals lack photo identification because of the barriers in obtaining it and the difficulty in keeping it while being homeless. These problems were exacerbated in the heightened security  after September 11, 2001. Without photo identification, homeless peeople have difficulty accessing the benefits and services they need and often face increased problems with law enforcement.

This report cites numerous examples of individuals denied food stamps, birth certificates, or medical care because of lack of photo identification. In addition, the report recommends that local, state, and federal agencies ensure that, as they safeguard security, they are not creating unreasonable barriers in obtaining identification for homeless people.

Federal agencies should also ensure that state and local officer are not denying benefits to homeless people based on a lack of identification.  States should provide an alternative to a residency requirement for people who are homeless, allow reasonable alternatives to identification documents, and waive fees for identification cards for homeless people.

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