This post is the first in a new Ex Libris Juris series highlighting general topics in Texas Criminal Procedure. In criminal procedure, there are three general phases: pre-trial, trial, and post-trial. Release is one of the final steps of the post-trial phase. Collecting identification documents (IDs) is a common obstacle for those recently released from incarceration. However, many people who have not been involved in the criminal justice system also have a need to obtain updated or new IDs. The following Crim Pro post highlights resources for obtaining primary and alternative identification documents (IDs).
The Importance of IDs
Identification documents are essential for many daily functions including employment, education, housing, medical needs, and more. IDs may be required to apply for aid, obtain benefits, pay child support, or acquire healthcare. Having valid, original identification documents may be an important first step for those reentering society after incarceration or other life-changing event that results in the loss or expiration of personal documents.
ID Options
It may be helpful to determine which identification documents you may still have that you may use to obtain new or reinstated IDs. This could include valid or expired documents such as driver licenses, passports, birth certificates, military IDs, voter registration cards, inmate ID cards, release certificates, social security cards, and more. Copies of any document may not be used when trying to apply for a new ID. You may be able to obtain originals of documents by contacting the agency that first issued them; however, most state agencies require another form of ID to order original copies of documents.
Review the Texas Department of Safety’s brochure of primary, secondary, and supporting identification documents to see the “strength” of the IDs you may have. For example, if you have a Texas driver license that expired more than two years ago, it can still be used as a supporting document. Two supporting documents and a secondary document may be used when applying for a new primary document, such as a driver license, passport, or social security card.
Where to Go for Help
Click on the brochure to see contact information for Houston-based organizations that offer ID restoration programs or can provide alternative documents that may be used as a photo ID in certain cases. This brochure may be downloaded and printed for future reference.
The following Harris County organizations offer legal aid to those reentering after release from incarceration:
Lone Star Legal Aid, lonestarlegal.org, 713-652-0077
Free legal aid for Texans who are low-income.Beacon Law, beaconlaw.org, 713-220-9737, 1212 Prairie Street
Free legal aid for Houstonians facing homelessness and housing insecurity.Restoring Justice, restoringjustice.org
Holistic criminal defense representation for those with indigency status, who have an active criminal case in Harris County, and who are currently represented by private, court-appointed counsel.Texas Fair Defense Project, fairdefense.org
Limited legal services to those with traffic ticket and related debt, as well as criminal record-clearing services at: http://bit.ly/tfdprecordshelp.Texas Criminal Justice Coalition, texascje.org
Nonprofit advocacy organization that works to end mass incarceration through policy and court reform.Clean Slate Texas, cleanslatetexas.org
Coalition with the mission of expanding access to criminal record clearing.Houston Health Department Community Re-Entry Program, houstonhealth.org/services/community-re-entry, 832-393-5467
Comprehensive services for those reentering the community after incarceration, including one-on-one counseling, career development, case management, life skills education, and transportation.Texas Department of Justice Reentry and Integration Division, 877-887-6151
The TDCJ Reentry program is a three-phase program designed to prepare formerly incarcerated people for a successful return to the community.National Reentry Resource Center, nationalreentryresourcecenter.org
Search for local reentry resources and programs using this website.
Texas & Federal ID Laws and Regulations