In a world where nearly everything can be done with the tap of a smartphone—from ordering groceries to voting by mail—it’s astounding that obtaining a government-issued ID remains such a struggle for millions of Americans. For many, particularly in Black, Latino, Indigenous, and low-income communities, obtaining an ID is like playing an endless game of “catch-up” with constantly shifting goalposts. And for those who can’t afford or access the necessary paperwork, the consequences are serious and far-reaching.

Government-issued IDs are required for basic societal participation: from voting and healthcare access to employment and housing. So why are we still charging for something so essential? It’s time for a shift in policy. Making government-issued IDs free could be a significant step toward equity and would pay dividends across our society.

The Cost of Getting an ID

The Brennan Center for Justice reports that around 11% of American adults—more than 21 million people—do not have government-issued photo identification. In some states, like Texas, a birth certificate is necessary to obtain a state ID, and it costs $22 just to order a copy. For many, this initial barrier can seem insurmountable.

Once you have the documents in hand, the cost of an ID itself ranges from $10 to $50 depending on the state. For those living paycheck to paycheck, that expense can be prohibitive. According to the Federal Reserve, 39% of Americans would struggle to cover a $400 emergency expense, making even a $20 fee an unnecessary burden.

Let’s not forget that the costs don’t end there. People who need ID typically have to travel to government offices, which may be difficult or expensive depending on where they live. Many rural areas have very limited access to DMV offices, and people in these areas may have to take unpaid time off work just to make the trip. According to a study by the Public Religion Research Institute, people without access to reliable transportation or with limited working hours are disproportionately affected by these logistical hurdles.

Who Bears the Brunt? Disproportionate Impacts on Marginalized Communities

Voter ID laws disproportionately impact communities of color, and the data supports this. Research from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that strict voter ID laws in Kansas and Tennessee reduced voter turnout by 1.9 to 2.2 percentage points, with a more pronounced effect on Black voters. Furthermore, a study from the University of California, San Diego revealed that strict voter ID laws reduce turnout among Black, Latino, Asian-American, and multiracial Americans by up to 6.7 percentage points compared to turnout reductions among white voters.

The impact doesn’t stop with voting. In the labor market, IDs are often required to apply for jobs, particularly those that require background checks. According to a report by the National Employment Law Project, low-income individuals without IDs face barriers to entering the workforce, which exacerbates unemployment and underemployment in marginalized communities. The Economic Policy Institute has shown that Black and Latino workers experience higher unemployment rates compared to their white counterparts, and lack of ID can make finding stable employment even harder.

The Case for Free IDs: A Cost-Benefit Analysis

Making IDs free could benefit the economy and government services in several ways. Here’s why this shift makes both moral and financial sense:

1. Reduced Bureaucracy and Administrative Costs: States and local governments currently spend millions processing ID applications, handling appeals, and verifying IDs at polling stations. A report from the Brennan Center found that in North Carolina, stricter voter ID laws increased election costs by over $600,000 in a single election cycle due to added administrative burdens. Making IDs free and more accessible could streamline this process and save taxpayer dollars.
2. Increased Employment and Tax Revenue: By providing free IDs, more individuals could access the job market, leading to increased employment rates and higher tax revenue. A Brookings Institution report found that if the employment rate of people in marginalized communities increased by just 1%, it could generate an additional $14 billion in annual tax revenue.
3. Lower Healthcare Costs: People without IDs are often unable to access preventative healthcare, leading to increased reliance on emergency services. According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, uninsured individuals are 2.5 times more likely to visit emergency rooms than those with insurance, driving up healthcare costs for both patients and taxpayers. Providing free IDs could improve access to health insurance and primary care, potentially reducing the financial strain on public health systems.
4. Strengthened Local Economies: When people have IDs, they can open bank accounts, apply for loans, and secure housing—all factors that contribute to economic stability. According to a study by the Center for Financial Services Innovation, lack of ID is a barrier to economic inclusion, which has long-term implications for local economic health. Communities where residents have stable access to jobs, banking, and healthcare tend to experience greater economic growth and stability, creating a ripple effect that benefits everyone.
5. Lower Jail and Court Costs: Not having an ID can even lead to legal trouble, as some people are unable to verify their identity when interacting with law enforcement. By making IDs accessible to all, we could reduce petty fines and arrests, saving money in courts and jails. The Vera Institute of Justice has shown that even a small reduction in jail admissions can save cities millions of dollars.

The Proposal: Free IDs Within Existing Eligibility Frameworks

Making IDs free is not about lowering the standards for obtaining an ID; it’s about removing financial barriers within the current framework. Individuals would still need to prove their eligibility through a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization certificate, ensuring that only those who meet the criteria would receive a government ID. The goal is simple: increase access while preserving the integrity of the system.

A Path Forward

Free IDs could be transformative. They would remove significant barriers for people trying to access basic rights and services, from healthcare to voting. Critics argue that free IDs could cost states millions, but evidence suggests that these initial costs could be offset by long-term savings in reduced administrative costs, higher employment rates, and decreased reliance on emergency services.

It’s time to take this issue seriously. If we truly believe in equal opportunity, then we must make it easier for people to participate fully in society. Providing free IDs would not only empower millions of Americans but also contribute to a healthier, more inclusive economy.

In a world where we can order groceries or apply for jobs with a few clicks, it’s time to modernize our ID system. By removing financial and logistical barriers to obtaining an ID, we can ensure that everyone has the opportunity to fully participate in society.

Sources:

• Brennan Center for Justice, “The Cost of Voter ID Laws”
• Federal Reserve, “Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2019”