Ohio House Passes Bill to Expand Access to Identification Documents for Unhoused Ohioans

COLUMBUS - State Representative Jodi Salvo (R-Bolivar) today announced House passage of House Bill 472, a bipartisan measure designed to remove practical barriers that prevent individuals experiencing homelessness from obtaining the foundational documents required for work, housing, education, and health care.

Under current Ohio law, individuals experiencing homelessness must obtain and pay for a certified copy of their birth certificate or another primary identity document before they can secure a state identification card. For many, a certified birth certificate is the only realistic way to meet that requirement. Without it, employment paperwork cannot be completed, housing applications stall, and progress toward stability is delayed.

House Bill 472 addresses this primary barrier by waiving the fee for one certified birth certificate annually for individuals who are verified as experiencing homelessness. The legislation also closes a gap in existing law by allowing unaccompanied and homeless youth under the age of 18 to receive a free state identification card, something they are not eligible for today.

"This legislation is about removing barriers to work and stability," said Salvo. "A birth certificate or state ID can determine whether someone moves forward or remains stuck. By helping individuals secure these foundational documents, we are supporting employment, reducing dependency, and shortening costly shelter stays for our communities."

An ID or birth certificate is required in Ohio to:

• Apply for employment or complete work eligibility verification forms
• Secure housing or enroll in supportive programs
• Access public benefits or health care
• Enroll children in school or obtain vital records necessary for legal documentation
  

Verification for fee waivers will be completed by designated professionals and agencies as specified in the bill. State identification card fee waivers will be administered through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and birth certificate fee waivers will be administered through the Ohio Department of Health.

The bill also includes accountability measures requiring annual reporting to the Ohio Department of Health so the General Assembly can track statewide utilization and evaluate whether the reform is effectively reducing barriers. With an individual's consent, approved shelters and nonprofit service organizations may securely store foundational identity documents and must return or destroy them upon request.

House Bill 472 now awaits further consideration by the Ohio Senate.