Gather.Go.Get restricts ID standards. How will this affect Florida's homeless?

David Westberry says the DHSMV considered the challenges of homeless residents, but acknowledges that it’s not always easy getting them the documentation they need: “We have in fact worked closely with homeless coalitions around the state with our mobile units in the past, although certain challenges remain.”

Pinellas homeless residents are required to have valid identification in order to receive medical care through the Pinellas County Health Department and other services from agencies such as the Homeless Emergency Project (HEP), St. Vincent de Paul, and the Clearwater Homeless Intervention Project (CHIP). Says Maggie Hall, Public Information Director for the Pinellas County Health Department, “The reason that we and other agencies rely on those ID cards is that it’s hard to locate these clients or to continue giving them the care they need if they won’t commit to at least some part of working within a system that requires so much documentation.”

Agencies like HEP, St. Vincent de Paul, an CHIP assist clients in obtaining ID cards for this reason, and will act as a permanent address for clients who reside or receive services at their facilities. Ann Nucatola, press contact for the DHSMV, says it’s sufficient for homeless residents to bring in a certified letter (on letterhead) from a halfway house or shelter, or churches or other places where they receive services.

“Every day of the week if they wanted to go in there and get their mail, they’d be able to do that,” says Nucatola. “And that’s what we need. We need a way to communicate with these people.”

Nucatola explains that an Examiner at the DMV will assist a homeless resident in applying for an Exception if necessary, and will send the information to the Director of the Division of Driver Licenses, Sandra Lambert, for approval. The DMV does make Exceptions within reason, however residents are still required to have certain documentation.

“It’s not impossible,” says Nucatola. “We will work with these folks.”