Without proper identification, people with criminal records are often unable to find employment, secure housing, or apply for public benefits that may be necessary to obtain medication or other treatment. For released individuals who do find work, the lack of state ID can make it extremely difficult to cash paychecks or open a bank account. Better coordination and collaboration on identification issues between the state departments of corrections and other agencies with jurisdiction over identification would help individuals leaving prison obtain needed documents more quickly and efficiently, resulting in streamlining for the agencies as well.

Example: Prison cards, Montana Department of Corrections

In Montana, inmates receive a prison card issued by the Department of Corrections that contains a photo or digitized image of the applicant, as well as the applicant's date of birth and adult offender number, discharge certificate, or parole order. Under Montana law, these documents can be exchanged within 60 days of release for a free state-issued ID. ^[1]  

Example: License and identification card program, Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles and the Louisiana Department of Corrections

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) is piloting a program at several Department of Correctional facilities where state ID cards and license renewals are being made on-site for inmates prior to release. OMV staff visit the correctional facilities quarterly, at which time inmates within six to eight months of scheduled release may request a card. Inmates are expected to pay out of pocket for the IDs unless they are eligible for welfare support. For individuals who wish to obtain a license after release, the state ID suffices as proof of identity. The IDs are included as part of the release packet.