The Homeless Youth ID Program allows qualifying unaccompanied children and youth up the age of 21 receiving services through homeless support programs to receive a REAL ID Noncompliant State Identification Card at no cost to them without parent's signature. This ID card enables them to verify their identity for work, school, bank accounts, and more, providing a pathway to independence and self-sufficiency.
Once your paperwork has been approved and processed, you will given a temporary paper ID to use until you receive your State ID in the mail.
Vital documents like state identification cards and birth certificates are required to secure a job or attend school. For youth and young adults experiencing homelessness, getting these documents can be a significant barrier. The transient nature of being unhoused means vital documents may be lost or destroyed. By providing an opportunity for youth to obtain a REALID Noncompliant State Identification Card at no cost to them, the State of Oklahoma supports youth independence.
The Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth worked with public and private partners to propose House Bill 3231. This group meets regularly to work on initiatives that improve outcomes for homeless children, youth, and their families. Click here to learn more about their work: https://oklahoma.gov/occy.html.
If the person is in public school, talk to a trusted staff member and ask for the McKinney-Vento liaison. If they are not, call 211, 988, or 1-800-786-2929 to be connected to resources.