This document summarizes current state laws pertaining to access to vital records for children and youth experiencing homelessness. Specifically, it includes statutes that provide fee waivers for people experiencing homelessness for birth certificates (BC), state photo identification cards (ID), and driver licenses (DL). It also identifies state laws that specifically provide unaccompanied youth under age 18 the ability to obtain these documents without the signature of a parent or legal guardian. It does not address or include emancipation laws or the rights of youth who have been legally emancipated. Please contact Rodd Monts to share information about other state laws on vital records and youth experiencing homelessness.
State Policy
State Laws on Vital Records + Legislative and Advocacy Guide
This document summarizes current state laws pertaining to access to vital records for children and youth experiencing homelessness.
There is a new hotline that provides legal information for young people to obtain vital documents like an ID or a license!
The I Am Here: Vital Document Legal Hotline for Youth is now live!
- Phone Number: 1-888-870-DOCS (1-888-870-3627)
- Start Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
- Hours: Every Wednesday from 12 to 8 PM Eastern | 11 AM to 7 PM Central | 10 AM to 6PM Mountain | 9 AM to 5 PM Pacific
- Voicemails: Outside of working hours, callers can leave voicemails that will be returned.
- Callers: Young people experiencing homelessness.
- Phone Operators: Legal professionals from Baker McKenzie and pro bono lawyers from other corporations.
- Goal: Provide state-specific guidance on obtaining vital documents.
| State | BC fee waiver | ID fee waiver | DL fee waiver | Access for unaccompanied youth under 18 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AL | N/A | N/A | AL HB 385 Exempt homeless students from paying certain issuance fees for a driver’s license, duplicate license, or the driver’s license examination. Resource: How to Obtain a Free Driver’s License in Alabama: Instructions and the Law | Ala. Admin. Code r. 420-7-1-.22 The registrant on a birth certificate may obtain certified copies of his or her own record if he or she is at least 14 years of age or is an emancipated minor. |
| AK | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| AZ | N/A | N/A | N/A | A.R.S. § 36-324 A child who is at least sixteen years of age and who either does not have a residence address or is in the department of child safety’s custody may receive a certified copy of the child’s certificate of birth registration without the signature of the child’s parent, guardian or foster parent. A.R.S. § 28-3165 A child who is at least sixteen years of age and who either does not have a residence address or is in the department of child safety’s custody may receive a nonoperating identification license without the signature of the child’s parent, guardian or foster parent. |
| AR | A.C.A. § 20-18-306 A certified copy of a birth certificate shall be furnished without cost to a certified unaccompanied homeless youth under § 9-25-106. | A.C.A. § 27-16-805 The Office of Driver Services shall not charge a fee for the issuance of an identification card to an eligible applicant who is a certified unaccompanied homeless youth under § 9-25-106. | A.C.A. § 27-16-801 The Office of Driver Services shall not charge a fee for the issuance of a driver’s license or any other costs incidental to licensure for a certified unaccompanied homeless youth under § 9-25-106. A.C.A. § 27-18-106 The commission shall waive the fee for the driver education course for an unaccompanied homeless youth certified under § 9-25-106. | A.C.A § 9-25-106 “Unaccompanied homeless youth” means an individual who is between sixteen (16) years of age and twenty-two (22) years of age and who is not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian. |
| CA | CA HLTH & S § 103577 The local registrar, county recorder, or the State Registrar, shall, without an issuance fee or any other associated fee, issue a certified record of live birth to a person who can verify his or her status as a homeless person or a homeless child or youth. Resource: How to Obtain a Free Birth Certificate or ID in California: Instructions and the Law | CA VEHICLE § 14902 A fee shall not be charged for an original or replacement identification card issued to any person who can verify their status as a homeless person or homeless child or youth. Resource: How to Obtain a Free Birth Certificate or ID in California: Instructions and the Law | N/A | A youth’s ability to obtain their own BC and ID appears to be implied by the fee waiver statutes. |
| CO | N/A | N/A | N/A | In a phone call, Colorado’s Office of Vital Records stated that any minor aged 16 or older with either a state-issued ID or a school ID from the current year could request their own BC without an adult. |
| CT | C.G.S.A. § 7-51 The registrar and the department may waive the fee for the issuance of a certified copy of the certificate of birth of a homeless youth to such youth under this subsection. | C.G.S.A. § 1-1h The commissioner may waive the fee for any applicant… who is a resident of a homeless shelter or other facility for homeless persons or a certified homeless youth or certified homeless young adult. | N/A | C.G.S.A. § 7-51 The department and registrars of vital statistics shall restrict access to and issuance of a certified copy of birth and fetal death records and certificates less than one hundred years old, to the following eligible parties: (A) The person whose birth is recorded, if such person is … (ii) a certified homeless youth, as defined in section 7-36… …The registrar and the department may waive the fee for the issuance of a certified copy of the certificate of birth of a homeless youth to such youth under this subsection. |
| DE | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| DC | DC runs a no-fee birth certificate program for District-born residents who have or are experiencing homelessness. For more information on how to apply, see this Department of Human Services website which includes a link to the application which must be completed by a homeless services provider. | 18 DCMR § 112 The special identification card shall only be issued to residents of the District over age fifteen (15). Residents of the District of Columbia without a fixed, regular District residence as determined by the Department of Human Services shall be exempt from paying a fee for a special identification card. For more information on how to apply for a no cost ID, see this Department of Human Services website. | N/A | N/A |
| FL | s. 382.0255(3), F.S. Waives fees for certified copies of a birth certificate for certified unaccompanied homeless youth. Resource: How to Obtain a Free Birth Certificate, ID and Driver’s License in Florida: Instructions and the Law | s. 743.067(3)(b)1., F.S. A certified unaccompanied homeless youth may apply at no charge for an identification card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Resource: How to Obtain a Free Birth Certificate, ID and Driver’s License in Florida: Instructions and the Law | s. 409.1454(2)(b) and (4)(c),F.S. The department shall establish a program to pay the cost of driver education, licensure and other costs incidental to licensure, and motor vehicle insurance for a child who has completed a driver education program and who is certified as an unaccompanied homeless youth. Resource: How to Obtain a Free Birth Certificate, ID and Driver’s License in Florida: Instructions and the Law | s. 382.0255(3), F.S.; s. 743.067(3)(b)1., F.S.; s. 409.1454(2)(b) and (4)(c),F.S. Unaccompanied homeless youth 16 years or older can obtain birth certificates, identification cards, and driver’s licenses without charge. Resource: How to Obtain a Free Birth Certificate, ID and Driver’s License in Florida: Instructions and the Law |
| GA | N/A | GA ST § 40-5-103 The department shall collect a fee of $5.00 for the identification card for all persons who are referred by a nonprofit organization which organization has entered into an agreement with the department whereby such organization verifies that the individual applying for such identification card is indigent. (Not a waiver of the fee but a reduction from $20 to $5.) | N/A | Georgia Administrative Code Rule 375-3-1-.34 All youth under the age of 18 are required to have their application for an instruction permit, ID card, or Driver’s License verified by a parent, guardian or responsible adult. A responsible adult can be a social worker that has worked with or assisted the applicant, an employee of the homeless shelter where the applicant has resided, other persons whose identity can be verified by a state agency or official school official or certified school records, or documentation from a federal agency or entity. |
| HI | N/A | HI ST § 286-309 The rules shall: … (2) Direct the examiner of drivers to waive all fees for the issuance of an original or renewal identification card for any individual who is homeless; provided the individual’s homeless status is corroborated by a verification letter issued by a homeless service provider. | N/A | N/A |
| ID | ID APA 16.02.08.251.06 The fee for a birth certificate may be waived for an individual applying for the Idaho Department of Transportation’s no-fee identification available to an individual who is experiencing homelessness. The applicant must provide a photocopy of the completed verification of homelessness form established by the Idaho Department of Transportation. One (1) free birth certificate may be issued for a registrant under this waiver. | Idaho Code § 49-2444 The department may issue an initial four year no-fee identification card to an individual who is homeless. An applicant issued an identification card shall be entitled to one free replacement and no-fee renewals as long as the applicant meets the requirements of this subsection at the time of renewal. | N/A | ID APA 16.05.01.283 Individuals who request access to, information from, or copies of vital records must present a signed application on forms provided or approved by the Registrar, and a copy of the front and back of signed photo identification or such other information as the Registrar requests. Minors who are less than fourteen (14) years old may receive certified copies of vital records that pertain to them if they present the required information. |
| IL | 410 ILCS 535/25.3 Applicable fees for a new certificate of birth and for a search for a birth record or a certified copy of a birth record shall be waived for all requests made by a homeless person whose status is verified by a human services agency, legal services agency, or other similar agency that has knowledge of the individual’s housing status. This includes (1) homeless service agencies; (2) attorneys licensed to practice in the State; (3) public school homeless liaison or school social worker; or (4) human services providers funded by the State to serve homeless or runaway youth, individuals with mental illness, or individuals with addictions. | 92 IL ADC 1030.12 An applicant for an identification card who otherwise qualifies for an identification card and who submits a completed homeless status certification, completed no longer than 90 days before the date of application, shall be issued an identification card at no cost. | N/A | N/A |
| IN | IC 16-37-1-9 A charge may not be made for furnishing a certificate of birth to an individual who represents, pursuant to IC 31-36-3-4(b) , a homeless youth (as defined in IC 31-36-3-4 ) and presents a fee and consent waiver affidavit described in IC 31-36-3-4(c). | IC 9-24-16-10 An identification card must be issued without the payment of a fee or charge to an individual who does not have a valid Indiana driver’s license if the individual: (1) will be at least eighteen (18) years of age and eligible to vote in the next general, municipal, or special election; (2) is: (A) at least sixteen (16) years of age; and (B) under the care and supervision of the department of child services; or (3) represents, pursuant to IC 31-36-3-4(b), a homeless youth (as defined in IC 31-36-3-4) and presents a fee and consent waiver affidavit described in IC 31-36-3-4(c). | IC 9-24-3-1 A fee described in subsection (a)(4) may not be charged to an individual who: … (2) represents, pursuant to IC 31-36-3-4(b), a homeless youth (as defined in IC 31-36-3-4) and presents a fee and consent waiver affidavit described in IC 31-36-3-4(c); and meets all other requirements for a driver’s license under this article. | IC 31-36-3-4 An individual identified in subsection (c)(3) who presents a fee and consent waiver affidavit described in subsection (c) on behalf of a homeless youth to the appropriate agency or entity shall: (1) have access, without charge and the consent of a parent, guardian, or custodian, to the homeless youth’s: (A) certificate of birth; (B) photo identification card under IC 9-24-16-10(c); and (C) Indiana driver’s license. |
| IA | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| KS | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| KY | KY Rev Stat § 213.141(4)(d) No fee or compensation shall be allowed or paid for furnishing a certificate of birth to a homeless individual as defined in KRS 198A.700, or a homeless youth as defined in 42 U.S.C. sec. 11434a(2) who is under 25 years of age, provided the homeless individual or homeless youth has been verified as homeless. | KY Rev Stat § 186.531(3) No fee for initial, duplicate, or corrected Personal Identification Card for an applicant who does not have an established and fixed nighttime residence or if the applicant has been verified as a homeless child or youth, as defined in 42 U.S.C. sec. 11434a(2). | N/A | KY Rev Stat § 186.4122(5)(c) An applicant for a personal identification card who is at least 16 years of age but less than 18 years of age shall not be required to obtain a signature of a parent or legal guardian on the application if the applicant has been verified as a homeless child or youth, as defined in 42 U.S.C. sec. 11434a(2). |
| LA | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| ME | Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §2706, sub-§5-B The state registrar shall make available the vital records of an unaccompanied minor or emancipated minor to the minor at no cost. | N/A | N/A | Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §2706, sub-§5-B The state registrar shall make available the vital records of an unaccompanied minor or emancipated minor to the minor at no cost. “Unaccompanied minor” means a person who has not attained 18 years of age who is not accompanied by a parent or guardian at the time that the minor makes the request to obtain the minor’s vital records or gives written permission for a person authorized under this subsection to receive the records on the minor’s behalf. |
| MD | § 4-217(c)(6) The Department may not collect a fee for a certified or an abridged copy of a birth certificate issued to a homeless individual as stated in the federal McKinney–Vento Homeless Education Assistance Improvements Act. | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| MA | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| MI | M.C.L.A. 333.2891 On receipt of a formal application, the state registrar shall conduct a search for and furnish to an individual 1 certified copy of the individual’s vital record, without charge, if the individual presents all of the following to the state registrar: (a) A homeless verification letter that states that the individual meets the definition of category 1 homeless as that term is defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. A verification letter provided under this subdivision must be submitted on the official letterhead of a public service agency. The department may verify the information contained in the letter with the agency of issuance before issuing a certified copy of the vital record. (b) A photo identification card for the individual that is generated from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development homeless management information system. (c) Any information required by the state registrar under subsection (3). | M.C.L.A. 28.292 The secretary of state shall waive the fee under this section if the applicant is any of the following: An individual who presents both of the following: (i) A homeless verification letter that states that the individual meets the definition of category 1 homeless as that term is defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. A letter provided as evidence under this subparagraph must be submitted on the official letterhead of a public service agency. The secretary of state may verify the information contained in the letter with the agency of issuance before issuing an official state personal identification card. (ii) A photo identification card generated from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Homeless Management Information System. | N/A | N/A |
| MN | MINN. STAT. 144.226, Subd. 8. A subject of a birth record who is a homeless youth shall not be charged any of the fees specified in this section for a certified birth record or statement of no vital record found under section 144.2255. | MINN. STAT. 171.07, Subd. 3b. (a) A homeless youth, as defined in section 256K.45, subdivision 1a, who meets the requirements of this subdivision may obtain a noncompliant identification card. (c) For a noncompliant identification card under this subdivision: (1) the commissioner must not impose a fee, surcharge, or filing fee | N/A | MINN. STAT. 144.2255, Subd.1. A subject of a birth record who is a homeless youth in Minnesota or another state may apply to the state registrar or a local issuance office for a certified birth record according to this section. MINN. STAT. 171.07, Subd. 3b. (a) A homeless youth, as defined in section 256K.45, subdivision 1a, who meets the requirements of this subdivision may obtain a noncompliant identification card. MINN. STAT. 256K.45, Subd. 1a. (c) “Homeless youth” means a person 24 years of age or younger who is unaccompanied by a parent or guardian and is without shelter where appropriate care and supervision are available, whose parent or legal guardian is unable or unwilling to provide shelter and care, or who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. |
| MS | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| MO | MO Rev Stat § 193.265 No fee under this section shall be required or collected from a parent or guardian of a homeless child or homeless youth, as defined in subsection 1 of section 167.020, or an unaccompanied youth, as defined in 42 U.S.C. Section 11434a(6), for the issuance of a certification, or copy of such certification, of birth of such child or youth. | N/A | N/A | MO Rev Stat § 193.265 An unaccompanied youth shall be eligible to receive a certification or copy of his or her own birth record without the consent or signature of his or her parent or guardian. |
| MT | N/A | N/A | N/A | MT Code Ann. 50-15-121 The registrant (with no age restrictions) shall be provided a certified copy or copies of a vital record, including birth certificate. |
| NE | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| NV | NV Rev Stat § 440.700 The State Registrar shall not charge a fee for furnishing a certified copy of a record of birth to: (a) A homeless person, including, without limitation, a homeless child or youth, who submits a signed affidavit on a form prescribed by the State Registrar stating that the person is homeless. … (c) A staff person of a local educational agency who has been designated pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 11432(g)(1)(J)(ii) for a certified copy of a record of birth of a homeless child or youth who is enrolled in the local educational agency. (d) A social worker licensed to practice in this State, for a certified copy of a record of birth of a homeless child or youth who is a client of the social worker. | NV Rev Stat § 483.825 The Department shall waive the fee prescribed by NRS 483.820 and the increase in the fee required by NRS 483.347 not more than one time for furnishing a duplicate identification card to: (a) A homeless person who submits a signed affidavit on a form prescribed by the Department stating that the person is homeless. The Department shall waive the fee prescribed by NRS 483.820, the increase in the fee required by NRS 483.347 and the reimbursement required by subsection 3 not more than one time for furnishing an original identification card or a duplicate identification card to a homeless child or youth under the age of 25 years who submits a signed affidavit on a form prescribed by the Department stating that the child or youth is homeless and under the age of 25 years. | NV Rev Stat § 483.417 The Department shall waive the fee prescribed by NRS 483.410 and the increase in the fee required by NRS 483.347 not more than one time for furnishing a duplicate driver’s license to: (a) A homeless person who submits a signed affidavit on a form prescribed by the Department stating that the person is homeless. The Department shall waive the fee prescribed by NRS 483.410, the increase in the fee required by NRS 483.347 and the reimbursement required by subsection 3 not more than one time for furnishing an original driver’s license or a duplicate driver’s license to a homeless child or youth under the age of 25 years who submits a signed affidavit on a form prescribed by the Department stating that the child or youth is homeless and under the age of 25 years. | NV Rev Stat § 440.700 Upon the request of any parent or guardian or an unaccompanied youth, the State Registrar shall supply, without the payment of a fee, a certificate limited to a statement as to the date of birth of any child or of the unaccompanied youth as disclosed by the record of such birth when the certificate is necessary for admission to school or for securing employment. |
| NH | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| NJ | NJ Rev Stat § 26:8-63 The State registrar shall: Furnish without fee upon request by a person who is homeless a certified copy of the person’s birth certificate, provided that the person submits the request through a social worker or the coordinator of the emergency shelter for the homeless where the person is temporarily residing. | NJ Rev Stat § 39:3-29.7 The chief administrator may waive the fees established under subsection a. of this section for a person who is homeless who submits proof of temporary residence through a social worker or the coordinator of an emergency shelter for the homeless where the person is temporarily residing. | N/A | N/A |
| NM | NM Stat § 24-14-29 A fee shall not be charged for a certified copy of a birth certificate of a homeless individual. | N/A | N.M. Stat. § 66-5-408 A fee shall not be charged to an applicant for an identification card if the applicant is at least seventy-five years of age or a homeless individual. | NM Stat § 24-14-28 The state registrar shall, upon receipt of a written application from an unaccompanied youth, issue a certified copy of that youth’s birth record to the youth, without requiring a signature of an adult. A local education agency homeless liaison, a school counselor and a school nurse each have a tangible and direct interest in a certified copy of the birth record of a homeless child or youth who is enrolled in the local education agency and in a certified copy of the birth record of a younger sibling of a homeless child or youth who is enrolled in the local education agency. A social worker in this state has a tangible and direct interest in a certified copy of the birth record of a homeless child or youth who is a client of the social worker; and a certified copy of the birth record of a younger sibling of a homeless child or youth who is a client of the social worker. |
| NY | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| NC | N/A | NC Gen Stat § 20-37.7 To obtain a special identification card without paying a fee, a homeless person must present a letter to the Division from the director of a facility that provides care or shelter to homeless persons verifying that the person is homeless. | N/A | N/A |
| ND | N/A | N/A | N/A | NDCC, 23-02.1-27 A certified copy of a birth record may be issued to the individual named on the record if that individual is at least sixteen years old, to a parent named on the record, to an authorized representative, to a homeless youth agency, or by the order of a court of competent jurisdiction. |
| OH | N/A | N/A | N/A | Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §3705.23 With certain exceptions listed in the statute, birth certificates are considered public records and may be requested by anyone. |
| OK | N/A | 47 O.S. § 6-105.3.D (OSCN 2025) No homeless children and youth shall be charged a fee for an identification card. | N/A | 47 O.S. § 6-105.3.A (OSCN 2025) Persons under 18 years of age who are homeless children and youth, shall be allowed to apply for a REAL ID Noncompliant Identification Card, which shall be valid for a period of 4 years, without the signature of their parent or legal guardian. |
| OR | O.R.S. § 432.450 The Oregon Health Authority shall establish a grant program for the purpose of allowing an individual who is homeless to obtain a certified copy of the individual’s record of live birth at a reduced rate or free of charge. | OAR 735-062-0133 Except for the additional fee for a REAL ID identification card described section (2) of this rule, DMV will not charge a qualified applicant a fee to issue or renew a REAL ID or non-REAL ID identification card if the applicant is experiencing homelessness. | N/A | O.R.S. § 432.380 Evidence of eligibility must demonstrate that the applicant is qualified to receive a certified copy. To be qualified, an applicant must be: Eighteen years of age or older or an emancipated minor or, if the applicant is requesting to receive a certified copy of the applicant’s own record of live birth, 15 years of age or older. |
| PA | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| RI | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| SC | N/A | SC Code § 56-1-3350 One identification card must be issued free to a person aged seventeen years or older per issuance cycle. | N/A | SC Code § 44-63-80 (B) A director or designee of a South Carolina governmental agency or a nonprofit organization registered with the South Carolina Secretary of State’s Office that receives public or private funding to provide services to the homeless, and a South Carolina school district’s McKinney-Vento liaison for homeless children or youth, are able to obtain a birth certificate on behalf of a homeless child or youth. SC Code § 56-1-3350 Upon application by a person five years of age or older, who is a resident of South Carolina, the department shall issue a special identification card. One identification card must be issued free to a person aged seventeen years or older. |
| SD | HB 1074 This Act provides free birth certificates to persons experiencing homelessness. Resource: How to Obtain a Free Birth Certificate or ID in South Dakota: Instructions and the Law | HB 1075 This Act waives certain fees for nondriver identification cards for individuals who are homeless. Resource: How to Obtain a Free Birth Certificate or ID in South Dakota: Instructions and the Law | N/A | N/A |
| TN | N/A | N/A | N/A | § 49-50-1703 A minor may obtain a copy of the minor’s birth certificate from the department of health and a state-issued identification card from the department of safety; provided, that the minor has been verified as a homeless child or youth. |
| TX | Tex. Health and Safety Code §191.0049 A birth certificate must be issued without fee to a homeless child or youth as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 11434a. Resource: How to Obtain a Free Birth Certificate or ID in Texas: Instructions and the Law | Tex. Transp. Code § 521.1015 (b) This section applies to the application for a personal identification certificate only for a foster child or youth or a homeless child or youth. (e) The department shall exempt a child or youth described by Subsection (b) from the payment of any fee for the issuance of a personal identification certificate under this chapter. Resource: How to Obtain a Free Birth Certificate or ID in Texas: Instructions and the Law | Tex. Transp. Code § 521.1811 A person is exempt from the payment of any fee for the issuance of a driver’s license, as provided under this chapter, if that person is: … (3) a homeless child or youth as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 11434a; | Tex. Transp. Code § 521.1015 A homeless child or youth as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 11434a may apply for and the department may issue a personal identification certificate without the signature or presence of or permission from a parent or guardian of the child or youth. Tex. Health and Safety Code §191.0049 A birth certificate must be issued without parental consent to a homeless child or youth as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 11434a. |
| UT | UT ST §26B-8-113 The department shall waive the fee for a copy of a birth certificate if the individual requesting the birth certificate is a homeless child or youth, as defined in 42 U.S.C. Sec. 11434a. Verification is required from a homeless shelter; a permanent housing, permanent, supportive, or transitional facility, the Department of Workforce Services; a homeless service provider; or a local educational agency liaison for homeless children and youth. | UT ST § 53-3-105 A fee may not be charged for an identification card application if the individual applying submits written verification that the individual is a child or youth who is homeless, as defined in 42 U.S.C. Sec. 11434a(2), from a homeless shelter; a permanent housing, permanent, supportive, or transitional facility, the Department of Workforce Services; a homeless service provider; or a local educational agency liaison for homeless children and youth. | N/A | UT ST §26B-8-113; UT ST § 53-3-105 An unaccompanied youth may request a birth certificate and ID with verification of homelessness from a homeless shelter; a permanent housing, permanent, supportive, or transitional facility, the Department of Workforce Services; a homeless service provider; or a local educational agency liaison for homeless children and youth. |
| VT | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| VA | § 32.1-272 Any homeless youth may obtain, without paying a fee, a certified copy of their birth record. (as of July 1, 2025) Resource: How to Obtain a Free Birth Certificate, State ID or Driver’s License in Virginia: Instructions and the Law | § 46.2-345; 46.2-345.2; 46.2-345.3 No fee shall be assessed against homeless youth for the issuance of an original, duplicate, reissue, or renewal special identification card or identification privilege card. (as of July 1, 2025) Resource: How to Obtain a Free Birth Certificate, State ID or Driver’s License in Virginia: Instructions and the Law | § 46.2-328.3; 46.2-332; 46.2-333.1; 46.2-335 No fee shall be assessed against homeless youth, for a driver privilege card, learner’s permit or driver’s license. (as of July 1, 2025) Resource: How to Obtain a Free Birth Certificate, State ID or Driver’s License in Virginia: Instructions and the Law | All the fee waivers apply to homeless youth as defined here, including unaccompanied homeless youth. |
| WA | RCWA 70.58A.560 The department may not charge a fee for issuing a birth certification for homeless persons. | RCWA 46.20.195 A homeless individual is eligible for a taxpayer-funded original or renewal identicard on a one-time basis. | N/A | N/A |
| WV | SB947 §16—5—29 The State Registrar may furnish certified copies of birth and death records to state agencies and to organized charities free of charge when the certificates are needed in presenting claims to the federal government or to a state for public assistance. Further, the State Registrar shall furnish, free of charge, a certified copy of an individual’s West Virginia birth certificate upon application and a written affirmation of that individual’s homelessness: Provided, That the individual is under the age of 18 years. | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| WI | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| WY | N/A | N/A | N/A | WY Stat § 14-1-102 An unemancipated minor may obtain a birth certificate from the department of health provided that the minor is (A) At least 16 years of age; (B) Willingly living separate and apart from his parents who consent to or acquiesce in the separate living arrangement; (C) Homeless; (D) Managing his own financial affairs. (ii) Submits a notarized affidavit in accordance with subsection (b) of this section. |