Serving the Phoenix & Tucson Metro Areas

What Is The Homeless ID Project?

Our wonderful team at the Homeless ID Project helps our clients obtain the identification documents they need to access housing, employment and essential services required to exit their homelessness and rebuild their lives. We specifically assist with replacement IDs and supporting documents — including birth certificates when required for IDs and Housing — and we provide secure document storage to prevent loss, theft, or destruction.

These services are provided to you at no cost, thanks to generous community support.

Replacement IDs

Free assistance with obtaining replacement driver’s licenses and state identification cards. (See Locations Below)

Secondary documents

Supporting documents, such as birth certificates, provided when needed for identification or housing.

Secure Document Storage

Safe, reliable storage that protects important documents from loss, theft, or damage.

Our ID Service

Getting an Arizona ID may be easier than you think.  Through our unique partnership with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD), you can complete the ID process virtually at one of our secure Tele-MVD stations.

You’ll connect by video with an MVD agent who will guide you through the entire process. Our Tele-MVD station has everything needed to complete your application, including a camera, scanner, printer and signature pad.

Once approved, you’ll leave with a temporary ID that day. Your permanent Arizona ID will be mailed to you, typically within 7–10 business days.

And you won’t have to figure it out on your own. Our Homeless ID Project team will be there to help you through the process.

We Are Here to Support You!

Please note that our role is to guide and support you through the application process — and fund the documents — but unfortunately, we don’t control state rules, requirements or processing timeframes. We understand the process can feel overwhelming or frustrating. We’re here to help you take the first step because we believe that everyone deserves a chance to move forward.

Our Role & What You Can Expect

What We Do What We Cannot Do
✅ Provide Tele-MVD access ❌ Access state databases
✅ Assist with applications ❌ Approve or deny applications
✅ Fund eligible document fees ❌ Issue IDs or birth certificates
✅ Help obtain supporting documents ❌ Override documentation rules
✅ Offer secure document storage ❌ Expedite government processing
✅ Guide you through each step with dignity ❌ Change state timelines or decisions

 

We assist and fund the process — but final decisions and timelines are set by state agencies.

If you are in need of assistance, please visit one of our locations.

We’re here to help you take the first step because we believe that everyone deserves a chance to move forward.

Veteran Assistance

Learn How Veterans in Arizona Can Obtain Free Identification →

frequently asked questions

Homeless ID Project serves clients in the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas. Visit our Service Locations page to find the location that is most convenient for you.

We can assist with Arizona state IDs, driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and other supporting records that may be required for identification or housing.

No. The Homeless ID Project provided TeleMVD access, assists in the process and funds the documents, but IDs and driver’s licenses are issued by the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division. HIDP cannot approve applications, change MVD requirements, or expedite government processing.

No. Homeless ID Project services are provided at no cost to eligible clients. We help fund qualifying IDs, birth certificates, and supporting documents needed for identification or housing. In some cases, you may need a letter from a case manager for a birth certificate.

You may be able to apply for either a state ID or driver’s license through our Tele-MVD system. The Arizona MVD determines eligibility and may require testing or additional documentation before issuing or renewing a driver’s license.

You can still come to us for help. Our staff can work with you to determine what documents are needed and help you begin the process, even if you do not currently have identification documents with you.

You will receive a temporary paper ID immediately. Your permanent physical ID will then be mailed to the address you provide, typically within 7–10 business days.

It depends on your situation. If you are applying for your first Arizona driver’s license or ID, additional identity documents such as a birth certificate may be required. If you have previously had an Arizona license or ID and are already in the MVD system, the requirements may be different. Our staff can help determine what you need.

It varies from state to state. The staff will be able to answer that specific to your situation.

The Homeless ID Project helps people experiencing homelessness obtain Arizona state IDs and driver’s licenses at no cost. At participating locations, you can connect virtually with an Arizona MVD agent through a secure Tele-MVD station, and our staff will help guide you through the process.

Tele-MVD is a secure video connection that allows eligible Homeless ID Project clients to meet virtually with an Arizona Motor Vehicle Division agent. The station includes the equipment needed to complete the application process, including a camera, scanner, printer, and signature pad.

Yes. We can help eligible clients obtain birth certificates from other states when the document is needed for identification or housing. Processing times vary depending on the issuing state.

Yes. Homeless ID Project offers secure document storage to help protect important records from loss, theft, or damage.

Your temporary paper ID can be used as identification while you wait for your permanent ID to arrive. However, acceptance of a temporary ID is determined by the business, employer, agency, or organization requesting identification. Your permanent physical ID is typically mailed to the address you provide within 7–10 business days.