Getting Your ID and Documents Back in Arizona

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. Losing your ID can make everything harder, from getting a job to applying for help. The good news is you can get it back, one paper at a time.

In Arizona, start with your birth certificate and Social Security number. Then go to an MVD office for an Arizona ID card.

Arizona IDStart at azmvdnow.gov.

Birth certificateADHS Vital Records.

SSA

Social Securityssa.gov.

211

Dial 211Local help.

Bunkly tip: Bunkly says hi and explains how this guide works (0:25). Tap play for sound. Captions included.

A few things to know

You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed, money or a spot in any program.
Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.

Where do I start?

Most people start with a birth certificate, then a Social Security card, then a state ID. Each one helps you get the next.

Your first steps, in order

Get a copy of your birth certificate.
Get your Social Security number or a replacement card.
Gather two proofs of Arizona residency, like a letter or bill with your name.
Start online at azmvdnow.gov, then go to an MVD office.
Ask a shelter or program for help with costs, if you need it.

How do I get an Arizona ID card?

The ADOT Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) issues Arizona ID cards for people who don't have a driver license. ADOT says a standard ID card costs $12.

People 65 or older get it at no cost, and some others may also qualify for no cost, like people on SSI and homeless veterans. Start online at azmvdnow.gov, then finish at an MVD or Authorized Third Party office.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/driver-license-ID/id-card

What to bring to MVD

One proof of identity, like a birth certificate or passport.
Your Social Security number.
Two proofs of Arizona residency.
Questions about which papers count? Check the official page below.

How do I get a birth certificate?

If you were born in Arizona, the ADHS Bureau of Vital Records can give you a copy. You can order by mail, online, or in person at 150 N. 18th Ave., Suite 120, Phoenix.

Call 602.364.1300 or 888.816.5907.

If you were born in another state, contact that state's vital records office.

BUNKLY TIP

Ask about help with costs

Some shelters and programs help pay for birth certificates or IDs. Ask before you pay.

How do I replace my Social Security card?

You may not need the card itself. Often, knowing your number is enough.

If you need a new card, you can ask the Social Security Administration online or at an office. There's no cost for a replacement card.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.ssa.gov/

What if I don't have an address?

Many shelters and day centers can help you with mail. In Phoenix, the Human Services Campus offers mail for adults who are homeless.

Ask your program for a letter that shows where you stay.

How do I keep my papers safe?

Keep them in a zip bag or folder, close to you.
Take photos and email them to yourself.
Make copies, and keep them in a second safe place.
Never give your Social Security number to someone you don't trust.

EXAMPLE

Say you lost your wallet in Flagstaff

You could order a copy of your birth certificate, then look up your Social Security number. You could ask a shelter or program for a letter for proof of where you stay. Then you could start online at azmvdnow.gov and finish at the MVD.

What if I need ID for a job or benefits right now?

Don't wait to apply. Many programs let you start without every paper and send the rest later.

Tell them you're working on getting your ID back, and ask what they can take for now.

Ask DES which papers work for your HEAplus application.
Ask your job center what new employers usually need.
Keep any receipts or letters that show you've ordered a copy.

BUNKLY TIP

One paper at a time

It can feel like a lot. Each paper you get makes the next one easier.

Questions people ask a lot

Can I get an ID with no address?

Ask MVD and your shelter. A program letter may help.

What if my name changed?

Bring papers that show the change, like a marriage certificate.

What if I was in prison?

Ask your reentry program for help with ID.

What is a Travel ID?

It's a different card. The no cost options don't apply to Travel IDs.

What if I'm a veteran?

Homeless veterans may qualify for an ID card at no cost. Ask MVD.

How do I make the most of each call?

Calling for help can feel like a lot. A little planning makes each call easier, and you'll get further, faster.

Call early in the day if you can. It leaves time to follow up the same day.
Have a pen, paper and your papers close by before you call.
Say what you need in one or two sentences first. Then answer their questions.
Ask, "Is there anything else I should apply for?" One call can open more doors.
Before you hang up, ask who you talked to and what happens next.
Write it all down in your call log at the back of this guide.

SAY IT LIKE THIS

If you get put on hold or cut off

"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."

"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"

"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"

BUNKLY TIP

Keep going, friend

If one place can't help, ask them who can. Each call gets you closer.

What if I'm told no, or put on a waitlist?

A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space, and things change from week to week.

Ask why. Knowing the reason helps you know what to try next.
Ask, "Who else could help with this?" Write down every name and number they share.
If you're on a waitlist, ask how long it usually takes and how you'll hear from them. Ask how often you should check in.
Keep your phone number and address up to date with every program, so you don't miss a call or letter.
If a state agency turns you down, read the letter right away. It explains how to ask for a review. Call legal aid if you want help.
Dial 211, or search 211arizona.org any time, to look for other options near you.

Keep your papers safe

Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag.
Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email.
Keep a short list of your case numbers and who you talked to.
Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.

BUNKLY TIP

You're doing great

Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.

Who can I call in my county?

Here is help that works across Arizona, then local help in Maricopa County (Phoenix) and Pima County (Tucson), then help for other counties. Call ahead for hours.

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

Social Security card replacement

What it offers A replacement card is no cost. You may be able to apply online; if not, you'll make an appointment at a local office. The card comes by mail in 5 to 10 business days. A local office can't print one for you. In most cases, knowing your number is enough.

How to reach Start online at https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/replace-card or call 800.772.1213, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 7 pm. TTY 800.325.0778.

Source https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/replace-card

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Arizona

Here are some places to start.

ADOT Motor Vehicle Division (MVD): Arizona ID card

What it offers A state photo ID for people who don't have a driver license. A standard ID card costs $12. People 65 or older get it at no cost, and people on federal SSI, minors in Department of Child Safety care, and homeless veterans may qualify for no cost cards. That does not apply to a Travel ID.

How to reach Start online at https://azmvdnow.gov/ then finish at any MVD or Authorized Third Party office. Bring one proof of identity, your Social Security number, and two proofs of Arizona residency.

Source https://azdot.gov/mvd/services/driver-license-ID/id-card

Last checked October 22, 2026

ADHS Bureau of Vital Records

What it offers Copies of Arizona birth and death certificates. You can order by mail, online, or in person.

How to reach Visit 150 N. 18th Ave., Suite 120, Phoenix, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (closed weekends and state holidays). Call 602.364.1300 or 888.816.5907.

Source https://www.azdhs.gov/licensing/vital-records/index.php

Last checked October 22, 2026

211 Arizona

What it offers Private, no cost help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care, transportation and more. Specialists answer from 9 am to 7 pm, every day, in English and Spanish, with interpreters for other languages.

How to reach Dial 211, or call 877.211.8661 from anywhere. For Relay, dial 711 or 800.367.8939. Search at https://211arizona.org/

Source https://211arizona.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Arizona Department of Veterans' Services (ADVS)

What it offers Help for Arizona veterans and their families with VA benefits claims and other services, at offices around the state.

How to reach Find an office near you at https://dvs.az.gov/ Main office: 1688 W. Adams St., Phoenix.

Source https://dvs.az.gov/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Maricopa County (Phoenix)

Here are some places to start.

Keys to Change (Human Services Campus)

What it offers A campus in downtown Phoenix where many groups work together to help adults who are homeless, with shelter intake, meals, mail and more. Open 24/7.

How to reach Go to 204 S. 12th Ave., Phoenix, or call 602.282.0853.

Source https://hsc-az.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS)

What it offers Emergency shelter and help finding housing for adults, plus Vista Colina for families and The Haven for adults 55 and older. Adults 18 and older start intake at the Human Services Campus. Families start by calling 211 for the Family Housing Hub.

How to reach Call 602.256.6945. TTY: 800.367.8939. Office: 230 S. 12th Ave., Phoenix.

Source https://www.cassaz.org/get-help

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Pima County (Tucson)

Here are some places to start.

Primavera Foundation

What it offers Shelter, housing help and a resource center for people who are homeless in Tucson.

How to reach Call 520.623.5111 for emergency services. Walk in at 702 S. 6th Ave., Tucson, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Source https://primavera.org/contact/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Pima County Community Assistance Division

What it offers Pima County's Community Action Agency. Help with rent, mortgage and utility bills for people who qualify, when funds allow, plus links to utility discount programs.

How to reach Call 520.724.2667, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (closed noon to 1 pm). Main line: 520.724.2460. Office: 801 W. Congress St., Tucson.

Source https://www.pima.gov/community-assistance-division

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Other counties (call your Community Action Agency)

Every Arizona county has a Community Action Agency that can help with utility bills, rent, deposits and emergency shelter when funds allow. If you don't live in Maricopa or Pima County, start here. Phone lines get busy, so keep trying, or dial 211.