How to Get an ID Without an Address (2026 Guide)

Every state DMV (or equivalent agency) issues state identification cards. Here is how to get one without a permanent address:

Use a shelter address. Most states accept a shelter, transitional housing, or social services agency address as your mailing address for ID purposes. Ask your shelter for a letter confirming your stay.

Use general delivery. USPS General Delivery lets you receive mail at your local post office without a street address. Your address would be: [Your Name], General Delivery, [City], [State] [ZIP Code]. This is free. Go to the post office and ask to set up general delivery. You will need to pick up your mail in person.

Use a social services agency. Many nonprofit organizations that serve homeless populations will let you use their address for official purposes. The agency can provide a letter confirming you receive services there.

Use a PO Box. If you can afford one, a PO Box provides a stable mailing address. USPS also has a program where PO Box customers can use the post office's street address.

What documents you need for a state ID varies by state, but generally includes: proof of identity (birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued ID), proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or SSA-1099), and proof of residency (shelter letter, general delivery confirmation, or social services letter).

The most common problem: you need ID to get a birth certificate, but you need a birth certificate to get an ID. Here is how to break the cycle:

Step 1: Start with whatever you DO have. Any expired ID, school record, medical record, court document, or jail release paperwork can serve as a starting point.

Step 2: Get a birth certificate first. In many states, you can request a birth certificate with minimal ID -- sometimes just a signed request with your full name, date of birth, and parents' names. Some states accept a notarized affidavit. Cost is usually $10-30, but fee waivers are available for people experiencing homelessness.

Step 3: Use the birth certificate to get a Social Security card. The SSA accepts birth certificates as primary proof of identity. Visit your local Social Security office.

Step 4: Use the birth certificate and Social Security card to get a state ID.

Alternative path: Some states have ID programs specifically for people experiencing homelessness. In California, AB 60 allows fee waivers and reduced documentation requirements. In Illinois, the Secretary of State's office partners with homeless service providers to offer free IDs. In Texas, the DPS offers fee exemptions for homeless individuals.

Legal aid offices can help. If you are stuck in the ID catch-22, contact your local legal aid office. Many have document recovery programs that handle the entire process for free.

Your birth certificate is often the key to getting everything else. Here is how to get one:

Contact the vital records office in the state where you were born. Every state has a vital records office (sometimes called the Office of Vital Statistics or the Department of Health). You can find yours at cdc.gov/nchs/w2w.

In-person requests: Some vital records offices will accept alternative identification for in-person requests -- a sworn statement, a notarized affidavit, or a third party who can vouch for your identity. Requirements vary by state.

Mail requests: Most states accept mail requests with a photocopy of ID. If you do not have ID, call the vital records office and explain your situation. Many have alternative verification processes.

Cost: Birth certificates typically cost $10-30. Many states offer fee waivers for people who can demonstrate financial hardship. Homeless service providers may have funds to cover the cost.

Free help: Organizations like the National Homeless Law Center can help you navigate birth certificate requests. Many legal aid offices have document recovery programs. Call 211 and ask about ID and document assistance.

If you were born outside the US, you will need to contact the consulate or embassy of your country of birth. This process is more complex but still possible. Immigration legal aid can help.

You need a Social Security card (or proof of your SSN) for employment, benefits, and often for state ID. Here is how to get one:

Visit your local Social Security office in person. You can find the nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring whatever identity documents you have -- a birth certificate is ideal, but expired IDs, medical records, or other government documents may also work.

Address for the card: The SSA will mail your replacement card to an address you provide. You can use a shelter address, a social services agency address, or a general delivery address. The card arrives in 10-14 business days.

Documents accepted by SSA: For a replacement card, you typically need one document proving your identity -- a state ID, driver's license, or US passport. If you have none of these, the SSA accepts other documents on a case-by-case basis: hospital records, school ID, health insurance card, or a religious record (baptism certificate).

Cost: Replacement Social Security cards are FREE. You can get up to 3 replacement cards per year and 10 in your lifetime.

Online replacement: If you already have a state ID or driver's license from a participating state, you can request a replacement card online at ssa.gov. However, this usually is not an option if you have no current ID.

Tip: If you know your Social Security number but just need proof of it, a W-2, tax return, SSA-1099, or Medicare card can serve as proof of your SSN for many purposes.

Most states accept shelter addresses for ID purposes, but the specific policies vary. Here are some notable state policies:

California: DMV accepts shelter addresses. AB 60 provides fee waivers for homeless individuals. Homeless service providers can sign a verification form.

New York: DMV accepts shelter addresses and letters from social service agencies. NYC also offers IDNYC, a municipal ID available to all residents regardless of immigration status or housing status.

Texas: DPS accepts shelter addresses. Fee exemptions available for homeless individuals with a letter from a shelter or service provider.

Illinois: Secretary of State partners with homeless service providers to offer free state IDs. Accepts shelter addresses and homeless verification letters.

Florida: DHSMV accepts shelter addresses and letters from homeless service agencies. Fee waivers available through the clerk of court.

Ohio: BMV accepts shelter addresses and letters from social services agencies. Some counties have mobile ID programs that visit shelters.

Pennsylvania: PennDOT accepts shelter addresses. Free state ID program for people who cannot afford the fee.

Washington: DOL accepts shelter addresses. State provides free enhanced driver's licenses for homeless veterans.

Oregon: DMV accepts shelter addresses and offers fee reductions. Legal aid offices can help with the process.

Colorado: DMV accepts shelter addresses. Colorado Legal Services helps with document recovery.

If your state is not listed here, call your state DMV and ask about ID options for people experiencing homelessness. Most states have some accommodation, even if it is not well-publicized.

Many states offer free or reduced-cost IDs for people experiencing homelessness. Here are some of the fee waiver programs:

Federal: The REAL ID Act does not require states to charge for IDs. Several states have chosen to offer free IDs.

States with free ID programs for homeless individuals: California (fee waiver with service provider letter), Illinois (free ID through homeless service provider partnership), Michigan (fee waiver for homeless individuals), New York (IDNYC is free for all NYC residents), Ohio (some counties offer fee waivers), Texas (fee exemption with verification letter), Washington (free ID for homeless veterans).

States with general free ID programs: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Wisconsin all offer free photo IDs (primarily for voting purposes, but the ID works for other uses too).

How to get a fee waiver: Ask your shelter or social services agency for a letter verifying your homeless status. Bring this letter to the DMV along with your other documents. If the DMV does not recognize the fee waiver, ask to speak with a supervisor or contact your local legal aid office.

If you cannot get a fee waiver, many homeless service organizations have small funds to cover ID costs. Call 211 and ask about ID assistance programs.

You have the right to vote even if you are experiencing homelessness. The National Voter Registration Act and state laws protect this right:

You can register to vote using a shelter address, a place where you sleep (a street corner or park counts as a 'residence' for voting purposes in most states), or a social services agency address.

How it works: On the voter registration form, write the location where you usually sleep as your 'residence address.' This can be an intersection, a park name, or a shelter address. For the 'mailing address,' use a shelter, general delivery, or agency address where you can receive your voter card.

ID for voting: Many states have voter ID laws. If you do not have an ID, you may be able to vote with a utility bill, government document, or sworn affidavit. Contact your local election office for specific requirements.

Organizations that help: The National Homeless Law Center (homelesslaw.org) has resources for voter registration for homeless individuals. Many homeless service agencies run voter registration drives.

Remember: No one can deny you the right to register or vote because you are homeless. If you encounter problems, contact the Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683).

Having a way to receive mail is important for getting documents, benefits, and job applications. Here are your options:

USPS General Delivery: Free. You receive mail at your local post office. Go to the post office, show ID (even expired), and ask to set up general delivery. Your address format: [Your Name], General Delivery, [City], [State] [ZIP]. Mail is held for 10-30 days depending on the post office. You must pick up mail in person.

Shelter address: Most shelters will let you receive mail. Ask when you check in.

Social services agency: Many agencies that serve homeless populations will receive mail on your behalf.

PO Box: Costs vary by location ($20-75+ per 6 months). Available at post offices and private mailbox stores. Some agencies will pay for a PO Box for you.

Community mail programs: Some nonprofits operate free mailbox programs for homeless individuals. Call 211 to ask if one exists in your area.

Online alternatives: For many services (benefits applications, job applications), an email address works. Free email from Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook. Public libraries offer free computer and internet access to set up and check email.

Banking tip: Many online-only banks (Chime, Current, Cash App) let you set up an account with just a Social Security number and do not require a physical address. This gives you a way to receive direct deposits.