D.C. Narrows Access to Free ID Vouchers for Homeless Residents, Sparking Concerns

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A recent policy shift by the D.C. Department of Human Services (DHS) is drawing criticism from local service providers after the agency quietly reduced the number of locations where residents experiencing homelessness can obtain free ID vouchers. Advocates fear the decision will create significant barriers to critical services like housing, employment, and benefits.

What Changed?

Until recently, individuals experiencing homelessness could receive free non-driver ID vouchers from at least 30 nonprofit centers across the city. Now, adults must visit only one of three day centers to obtain a voucher:

Downtown Day Services Center
Adams Place Day Center
801 East Day Center

Youth may still access ID vouchers through three youth-specific centers:

Zoe’s Doors
Sasha Bruce Youthwork
Latin American Youth Center

This is a stark reduction from the prior network, which included trusted organizations like Miriam’s Kitchen, Georgetown Ministry Center, and others that often provide case management and outreach services.

Why the Change?

According to DHS spokesperson Kevin Carpenter, the policy change was enacted in April to “improve quality control” over the eligibility process. However, many frontline organizations say they were not notified of the new limitations until they attempted to request more vouchers.

Taylor Bush, Outreach and Advocacy Manager at Georgetown Ministry Center, said she learned of the change only after her request for more vouchers was denied. The news came as a shock.

“I get calls almost every day from people looking for an ID voucher, and it’s upsetting that we can no longer provide that,” said Bush.

Bush said the move is a major setback for residents trying to access housing, apply for jobs, or secure other necessary documentation.

Real-World Impacts

Identification is not just a formality — it’s often a gateway to stability. Without a valid ID, residents experiencing homelessness may be unable to apply for jobs, receive housing vouchers, or access public benefits like SNAP or Medicaid.

The new system could force many to travel farther, possibly across the city, to obtain the documents they need. For individuals already living in unstable conditions or without reliable transportation, this creates a significant barrier.

Advocates argue that many of the now-excluded nonprofits have closer relationships with clients, making them better suited to assist with ID applications. These providers often work closely with guests, tracking their progress toward employment, housing, and recovery.

Voucher Supply and Distribution

Carpenter said the number of vouchers available at each location is based on demand. Slides presented at a recent Interagency Council on Homelessness meeting showed that, for example, the Downtown Day Services Center has around 15 vouchers available per week.

DHS claims it is actively monitoring the need for ID vouchers and may adjust policies further. Still, concerns remain that the restriction has already hampered access for many who need help the most.

The Road to an ID: Not Always Simple

To receive a free non-driver ID, a D.C. resident must present:

A birth certificate (can be obtained through the city’s No-Fee Birth Certificate Program)
A Social Security number
Proof of D.C. residency
An ID voucher, now available only at the six approved locations

With these in hand, the individual can apply for a free non-driver ID at the D.C. DMV, which would otherwise cost $20 — a fee many experiencing homelessness cannot afford.

Advocates Urge Reconsideration

Service providers like Bush hope the city reconsiders the policy or expands voucher access again, especially as the need for affordable housing and employment opportunities continues to rise in D.C.