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How to Get ID & Documents in California

California issues state identification cards through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Birth certificates are managed by the California Department of Public Health Vital Records. California has some of the strongest programs in the nation for helping people with records and those experiencing homelessness obtain ID.

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Quick Answer

You can get a California state ID at any DMV office for $35 — or completely free if you are experiencing homelessness through the Reduced/No Fee ID Card Program. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has a formal pre-release ID program. Birth certificates cost $25 from the Department of Public Health.

California ID Agency

California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

Website: dmv.ca.gov

Phone: (800) 777-0133

State ID Card

Cost: $35 (free for eligible homeless individuals)

REAL ID: $35 (REAL ID compliant card at same cost)

Processing: 2-4 weeks by mail; temporary ID issued same day at office

Online renewal: Yes

Requirements:

  • Proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or permanent resident card)
  • Proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or pay stub with full SSN)
  • Proof of California residency (two documents such as utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement)
  • Proof of legal name change if applicable (certified marriage certificate, court order)
  • For REAL ID: one proof of identity, one proof of SSN, two proofs of California residency

California offers both REAL ID and federal non-compliant ID cards at the same price. The DMV offers a Reduced/No Fee ID Card Program for homeless individuals — the fee is completely waived with verification from an authorized homeless services provider. Online renewal is available for eligible renewals.

Birth Certificate

Agency: California Department of Public Health, Vital Records

Cost: $25

Online ordering: Yes

Processing: 4-6 weeks by mail; varies for in-person at county offices

Order online: cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/Vital-Records.aspx

California birth certificates can be ordered from the state Vital Records office or from the county recorder in the county where the birth occurred. County offices may be faster. Online ordering is available through the CDPH website. You need valid photo ID and proof of eligibility.

Special Programs & Fee Waivers

Reentry ID Program

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) has a formal pre-release ID program. CDCR partners with the DMV to help individuals obtain a California state ID card before release. The program includes assistance with birth certificates and Social Security cards. Individuals should work with their correctional counselor to begin the process at least 120 days before their scheduled release date.

Homeless Provisions

California offers a Reduced/No Fee ID Card Program for individuals experiencing homelessness. The entire $35 ID fee is waived when an authorized homeless services provider verifies the applicant's homeless status using DMV form DL 933. This is one of the strongest homeless ID programs in the nation.

Fee Waivers

Fee waivers are available through the Reduced/No Fee ID Card Program for homeless individuals. Additionally, seniors aged 62 and older may be eligible for a reduced fee. CDCR covers ID costs for individuals being released from state prison through the pre-release program.

California Reentry ID Law

AB 2308 / Penal Code 3007.05 (Cal. Penal Code 3007.05, 2016)

Requires CDCR to help eligible incarcerated individuals obtain a California ID card, birth certificate, and Social Security card before release. CDCR partners with DMV to process ID applications inside state prisons.

Recommended Order to Get Your Documents

If you have no documents at all, this is the order most reentry specialists recommend. Each document makes the next one easier to get.

  1. 1
    Birth certificate -- This is the foundation document. You can usually order it by mail with minimal ID. It unlocks everything else. Cost in California: $25.
  2. 2
    Social Security card -- Always free. With your birth certificate, you can get a replacement SS card at any SSA office or online at ssa.gov. You can replace up to 3 cards per year, 10 in a lifetime.
  3. 3
    State ID card -- With your birth certificate and SS card, you have everything needed for a state ID at the DMV. Cost: $35 (free for eligible homeless individuals).
  4. 4
    Other documents -- Once you have a state ID, you can open a bank account, apply for benefits, get a job, register to vote, and apply for a driver's license, passport, or other documents.

Pre-Release Document Planning Timeline

If you or someone you know is currently incarcerated, start the document process as early as possible. Many states allow document applications from inside the facility.

6-12 months out

Request a birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Contact your case manager or reentry coordinator about ID assistance programs. Ask if your facility has a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration for in-facility SS card processing.

3-6 months out

Apply for your Social Security card replacement. If your facility has a partnership with the DMV, begin the state ID application. Gather any educational transcripts, vocational certificates, or GED documentation earned during incarceration.

1-3 months out

Confirm your documents are ready or in process. If your facility issues a DOC/prison release ID card, make sure it will be provided on release day. Identify the nearest DMV office and SSA office to where you will be living.

Release day

Get your prison release ID card, any documents your facility has prepared, and your personal property. Your release ID is a valid form of identification at many government offices. Visit the DMV as soon as possible to get your state ID.

Federal Release Identification Card (BOP)

If you or someone you know was incarcerated in a federal prison, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) issues a Federal Release Identification Card with REAL ID-level security features. This card is accepted by TSA for domestic air travel and by many state DMV offices as a valid form of identification. Over 16,700 cards have been issued since October 2023.

The federal release ID is nota REAL ID, but it can be used as proof of identity when applying for a state ID or driver's license. It includes your photo, date of birth, and federal inmate number. Ask your unit team or case manager about the Federal Release Identification Card program before your release date.

Note: This program is for federal (BOP) facilities only. State prison release IDs vary by state -- see the reentry program section above for California-specific information.

County Jail vs. State Prison: Different ID Situations

State prison releases typically have access to pre-release ID programs and reentry services. Many state corrections departments partner with the DMV to issue state IDs before release. Your facility case manager or reentry coordinator can help navigate this process.

County jail releases often get little or no document assistance. Jail stays are shorter, and most county jails do not have formal reentry ID programs. If you are released from county jail without ID, your best resources are:

  • Call 211 for local reentry and ID assistance programs
  • Contact your local Legal Aid office for help with documents
  • Ask your parole/probation officer about ID assistance
  • Visit a local shelter or reentry center -- many help with document recovery
  • Some DMV offices accept jail release paperwork as a secondary form of ID

Born in a Different State?

If you were born in a state other than California, you will need to order your birth certificate from the state where you were born. Every state has a vital records office that processes mail-in requests. You can also use VitalChek.com (official partner for most states) to order online, though they charge a processing fee on top of the state fee.

If you are currently incarcerated in California but were born elsewhere, your case manager or reentry coordinator can often help you request your birth certificate by mail from your birth state. Start this process at least 6 months before your release date, as out-of-state requests can take 4-8 weeks.

Born outside the U.S.? You will need a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (for U.S. citizens born overseas), a Certificate of Naturalization, or a Permanent Resident Card (green card). Contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or a local immigration legal aid organization for help.

Social Security Card -- Key Facts

Replacing your Social Security card is always free -- do not pay anyone for this service. You can get a replacement online at ssa.gov/myaccount, by mail, or in person at any SSA office. You are limited to 3 replacement cards per year and 10 in your lifetime.

Prison-SSA partnership: Many federal and state correctional facilities have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Social Security Administration that allows inmates to apply for replacement cards using their prison ID as proof of identity. Ask your case manager if your facility participates. The SSA processes these applications and mails the card directly to the facility or to a designated release address.

No ID at all? If you have no other identification, the SSA may accept alternative evidence of identity. Visit an SSA office in person and explain your situation. Bring any documents you have, including prison release papers, medical records, or school records. See our guide for getting ID with no documents.

Other Important Documents

U.S. Passport -- A valid federal photo ID that can also serve as proof of citizenship. Useful as a backup ID. Costs $130 (book) or $30 (card). Apply at a passport acceptance facility (usually a post office). See our felon passport guide.
Criminal Record / RAP Sheet -- You have the right to request your own criminal history. This is useful for expungement applications, job interviews, and housing applications. Contact the CaliforniaState Police or use the FBI's Identity History Summary (costs $18, submitted via fingerprint card). See our guide to checking your own record.
Military Discharge Papers (DD-214) -- Veterans need their DD-214 for VA benefits, healthcare, and employment preferences. Request a copy from the National Personnel Records Center (free). Many county recorders also keep copies on file.
Selective Service Registration -- Males 18-25 are required to register. Registration is needed for federal financial aid (Pell Grants), federal jobs, and citizenship applications. Register or verify status at sss.gov.
Educational Transcripts & Vocational Certificates -- If you completed a GED, vocational training, or college courses during incarceration, contact the facility's education department for official transcripts before or soon after release. These documents help with employment and education applications. See our education & training guide.
Voter Registration -- Check your voting eligibility in California and register to vote. See our California voting rights guide.

Step-by-Step Guides

More California Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a free California ID if I am homeless?
Visit an authorized homeless services provider (such as a shelter, social services agency, or outreach program) and ask them to complete DMV form DL 933 verifying your homeless status. Bring this form to any DMV office along with your other required documents to receive a free state ID card.
Can I get a California state ID with a criminal record?
Yes. A criminal record does not prevent you from obtaining a California state ID. If you are being released from CDCR custody, the pre-release ID program can help you obtain your ID before you leave. Contact your correctional counselor at least 120 days before release.
What do I need to get a California state ID for the first time?
You need proof of identity (such as a birth certificate or passport), your Social Security number, and two documents showing your California address. You must apply in person at a DMV office. A temporary ID is issued the same day, and your permanent card arrives by mail in 2-4 weeks.
How do I get a California birth certificate?
You can order from the state Department of Public Health Vital Records office online, by mail, or from the county recorder where the birth occurred. The cost is $25 per copy. County offices are often faster than the state office.
What is the CDCR pre-release ID program?
CDCR partners with the DMV to help people in state prison get a California ID before they are released. The program covers the cost and helps with gathering birth certificates and Social Security cards. Talk to your correctional counselor to start the process.
Can I renew my California ID online?
Yes, if you are eligible. You can renew online at dmv.ca.gov. You must have renewed in person for your previous ID, and your appearance must not have significantly changed. Otherwise, you will need to visit a DMV office.

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Requirements and fees change frequently. Contact your local DMV, vital records office, or Social Security office for exact current requirements. For help, call 211 or visit 211.org.
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