# IDs for an Inclusive Democracy Act

This bill would create a new federal identification card issued by the Social Security Administration and make it available for free to anyone who wants one. The card would work just like a state driver's license or ID card for any situation where you need to prove who you are—whether that's opening a bank account, voting, traveling, or anything else that currently accepts a state-issued ID.

The identification would include your name, date of birth, a photo, and a unique ID number, and it would be valid for 10 years (though it would be renewed free of charge). The bill includes a gender option marked "X" for people who don't identify as male or female. To make the card accessible to everyone, you'd be able to apply through the U.S. Postal Service—either in person at a post office, online, or by mail—with free photography services available. The bill requires the government to launch a public education campaign so people know the card exists and how to get one.

The real-world impact would be significant for people who currently struggle to get identification. This includes homeless individuals, people without a permanent address, undocumented immigrants, transgender people who face barriers with state IDs, and others who find it difficult or expensive to obtain state-issued documents. Right now, lacking proper ID can prevent people from voting, accessing services, getting jobs, or opening bank accounts. A free federal ID would remove many of these barriers. The bill establishes a task force of representatives from various federal agencies to work out the specific details of how the program would operate, with a deadline of three years to get the cards into people's hands.

IDs for an Inclusive Democracy Act

IDs for an Inclusive Democracy Act This bill directs the Social Security Administration (SSA) to produce and make available at no cost to certain individuals in the United States an identification (ID) for the purpose of allowing such individuals to satisfy ID requirements. Such ID must include a photograph and specified information, as well as security features. It shall be valid for a 10-year period. To receive an ID, an individual must be at least 14 years of age. The SSA must develop and implement a campaign to educate the public with respect to the ID, including how an individual can receive and use it. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) must develop and implement a process that enables individuals to apply for the ID through the USPS, including a process for a first-time ID and renewal, modeled after the process for passport applications. The bill establishes a Task Force on Federal Identification Cards for the purpose of determining the requirements to produce and make available the ID. The task force shall (1) issue a report on the requirements, including a requirement that the SSA and the USPS establish procedures to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of any information obtained with respect to individuals who seek assistance in obtaining the ID; and (2) develop and publish recommendations for voluntary best practices for nonprofit organizations and entities that provide services to vulnerable populations with respect to how such organizations and entities can assist individuals to obtain the ID.