# IDs for an Inclusive Democracy Act: Plain Language Summary

This bill would create a new federal identification card issued by the Social Security Administration at no cost to anyone who wants one. Think of it as a national ID card that would work the same way a state driver's license does for proving who you are. The card would include your name, date of birth, a photo, and a unique ID number, and it would be valid for 10 years (though people under 18 would need to renew it when they turn 18, and people 65 and older wouldn't need to renew after the initial 10 years).

The main goal is to help people who don't have access to a state ID—whether because they can't afford one, don't drive, face barriers getting documents, or for other reasons. Right now, many everyday activities require a photo ID: voting, opening a bank account, getting a job, renting an apartment, or traveling. This bill would give people another option that's free and federally recognized. The card would be accepted anywhere a state ID is currently accepted for identification purposes.

To make getting the card easy, the bill requires the U.S. Postal Service to set up an application process similar to how people apply for passports at post offices. You could apply in person at a post office (where they'd take your photo for free), apply online, or mail in your application. Once approved, you could pick up your card at a post office or have it mailed to you. The bill also requires a public education campaign so people know the card exists and how to get one.

The bill establishes a task force made up of representatives from various government agencies to work out the specific details—like what security features the card should have and exactly what information people need to provide when applying. The Social Security Administration would have three years from when the bill passes to start issuing these cards.

IDs for an Inclusive Democracy Act

Casten, Sean

IDs for an Inclusive Democracy ActThis bill directs the Social Security Administration (SSA) to produce and make available at no cost to individuals over the age of 14 a&nbsp;means of&nbsp;identification (ID) sufficient to satisfy certain identification requirements (i.e., requirements otherwise satisfied by a driver's license or state ID).The ID must include a photograph, specified information, and certain security features, and must generally be valid for 10 years.SSA must develop and implement a campaign to educate the public about the ID, including how an individual can obtain and use one.The U.S. Postal Service (USPS)&nbsp;must develop and implement a process that enables individuals to apply for and renew an ID through USPS, modeled after the process for passport applications.The bill also establishes a task force to set forth requirements for the production and distribution of the new IDs. The task force must (1) issue a report outlining such requirements, including procedures to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of any information obtained from applicants seeking assistance with the ID process; and (2) develop and publish voluntary best practices for nonprofit organizations and entities that serve vulnerable populations on assisting individuals with the application process.