Casten, Lee Introduce Legislation to Establish No-Cost, Optional Federal Photo IDs
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Sean Casten (IL-06) and Summer Lee (PA-12) introduced the IDs for an Inclusive Democracy Act, legislation to empower Americans to obtain a free and optional federal photo identification card.
“Over one in ten Americans lack any form of government-issued identification,” said Rep. Sean Casten. “That’s tens of millions of Americans who are unable to get a job, open a bank account, or visit urgent care – all of which require an ID. This legislation helps folks get a free and optional ID and is a vital first step towards allowing them to provide for themselves.”
“Everyone deserves the freedom to live with dignity, and that starts with having access to the basics—like an ID,” said Rep. Summer Lee. “Too many people in our communities are locked out of jobs, healthcare, housing, and even the right to vote because they can’t afford or access a government-issued ID. This bill puts people first by making sure that every American, no matter their income or where they live, can get a free, federal ID without jumping through hoops. It’s about breaking down barriers and making sure our democracy works for all of us, not just the privileged few.”
“The IDs for an Inclusive Democracy Act is our best chance at significantly increasing employment across the country while at the same time reducing homelessness and supporting veterans, seniors, and so many others,” said Kat Calvin, CEO of Project ID Action Fund. “I am thrilled to work with Reps. Casten and Lee this year to pass this bill and get IDs into the hands of the 26 million Americans who need them."
The IDs for an Inclusive Democracy Act creates a task force of appropriate stakeholders that will create a free and optional federal photo identification card through the Social Security Administration and establish full processing systems through the United States Postal Service, similar to the passport process.
The 11% of American adults who do not have an ID are unable to:
- Obtain employment
- Sign a lease or purchase a home
- Open a bank account
- Access VA benefits
- Access services from federal programs like WIC and SNAP
- Access services from federally-funded shelters and food banks
- Access drug rehabilitation programs and resources
- Visit an urgent care clinic or access preventative health care if they are sick
- Access services at public libraries
- Vote in 35 states
Additionally, Americans without ID are more likely to:
- Become or remain unhoused
- Cycle between homelessness and incarceration
- Be poor, black or brown, seniors, or very young
- Become a financial burden on taxpayers due to reliance on public services, incarceration, emergency room visits due to a lack of access to preventative care, etc.
- Be unable to receive basic health care
Why do we need a no-cost Federal ID when state-regulated DMVs exist?
COST: DMV IDs cost up to $50 and the supporting documents necessary to obtain them can cost as much as $90.22. Many states do not offer any fee waivers or assistance with those costs. Most provide only partial cost assistance, and only to certain groups.
ACCESSIBILITY: Most people, even those in rural communities, have a local Post Office. There are 31,247 post offices nationwide. Many do not have convenient access to a DMV, however. The difference in access is easy to see at the state level. Whereas there are 180 DMVs in California, there are 1,800 post offices. Illinois has 130 DMVs but 1315 post offices. West Virginia has only 24 DMVs but 655 post offices. Post Offices already process passports, so it would not be an undue burden to add a new type of ID.
PROCESS: The process to obtain an ID is inconsistent across states, and new IDs in each state require extensive documentation. This ID would be usable in all 50 states, with no need to reapply when moving.
The legislation is co-sponsored by Reps. Scanlon, Tlaib, Thanedar, Deluzio, Robin Kelly, and Watson Coleman.
The bill has been endorsed by the following organizations: Project ID Action Fund, National Health Care for the Homeless Council, Common Defense, iFoster, and EveryLibrary.
The text of the bill can be found here.
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