WHAT TO BRING

Our volunteers work with you to help compile the documents you need in order to obtain a photo ID or birth certificate. Sometimes we have to think creatively together to help you get access amidst a system that isn’t designed to serve you.

We will do our best to help you no matter what!

The documents you need in order to obtain a birth certificate vary based on where you were born. Sometimes, we can simply notarize an application form and mail it in on your behalf. If you were born in Missouri, many folks are able to show either a photo ID (including things like a copy of an old one, an expired one, a student or work ID) or two documents with your name on them in order to obtain a copy of your birth certificate in person. If you were born out of state, please contact our team for details.

In order to obtain a Missouri non-driver photo ID, you generally need to prove 4 things:

• Identity

• Lawful status

• Social security

• Missouri residency (proof of address)

The complete list created by the State of Missouri is available online here.

That usually (but not always) means you’ll need:

• An original/certified copy of your U.S. birth certificate

• A social security card (unless you had a Missouri-issued photo ID that is still valid or expired within the last 10 years)

• Proof of residency (like a utility bill, letter from a government agency, or verification letter from a homeless services provider).

In some cases, we can support people experiencing homelessness by authorizing the use of our organizational address to meet the residency requirement. We will discuss all these details when you come to your appointment.

Please bring any documents that might help in the ways described above.

We realize these are complicated processes that we believe make it harder for some members of our community to get this documents - and we are working to change that!