Youth Experiencing Homelessness can still get a no-cost Minnesota ID
Aug. 15, 2022
You never realize how often you need an ID until you don't have one. Even if you don't drive and don't need a driver's license, you need government-issued identification to apply for a job, purchase certain cold medicines or open a bank account.
For youth experiencing homelessness, getting that ID can be tricky. That's why our Driver and Vehicle Services division (DVS) can help those kids get that card into their hands. The best part: they don't have to pay for it.
If you know someone under 24 who doesn't have a fixed residence and needs an ID, you can help them get a standard Minnesota ID card as part of a program designed to help youth experiencing homelessness. There is no minimum age and the card is good for four years. It's not a REAL ID – which every Minnesotan will soon need to board domestic flights – but it is the same as standard ID. No one will be able to tell the card-holder doesn't have a permanent address just by looking at it.
Youth experiencing homelessness can get their ID anywhere that accepts first-time applications, such as a DVS exam station, deputy registrar or driver's license agent office. If you're not sure where they are, you can find them by going to drive.mn.gov and selecting “Office Locations." You can also call 651-297-2005.
The biggest hurdle for getting anything done at the DVS office is having the right paperwork. It's even more difficult for people experiencing homelessness. It's hard enough to keep track of your birth certificate when you've got a house; it's that much harder when you don't.
Thankfully, here in Minnesota we've got youth experiencing homelessness covered. If they were born in Minnesota and don't have a birth certificate, they can get a temporary one at no cost from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). It's an official legal document, although it does expire after six months. MDH has a fact sheet and checklist with more information.
Once they've got a birth certificate, the only other thing they need is a form called the “Eligibility Verification for Homeless Youth ID Card." It's available on our website and it can be signed by a human services agency employee, school staff member or a school social worker. By signing it, the youth agrees that they qualify for the card, which means they are a person under 24 years old who:
- Is unaccompanied by a parent or guardian and is without shelter where care and supervision are available.
- Has a parent or legal guardian who is unable or unwilling to shelter and care for them.
- Lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence
Their card will have to be received through the mail, but it can be mailed to a temporary address. We can mail it to a friend, a relative or even a caseworker or social worker.
Check out our webpage for all the details and a list of Frequently Asked Questions. Anyone can also call 651-297-3298 or email drivers.licenses@state.mn.us.
