Get Your Identification Documents by Age 16

Before you turn 16, CPS must give you a certified copy of your birth certificate, your original Social Security card, and a Texas identification card (ID card) or driver license.

CPS is also required to make sure you have these documents before you leave foster care when you are 18 or older. At that same time, your caseworker must give you your Medicaid card and/or insurance card of the health plan you have under Medicaid. Your caseworker should also give you the information in your Health Passport. See Medical Records for more information.

Not Born in the United States

If you were not born in the United States, you also need the legal document that shows your immigration status or your certificate of citizenship.

Why You Need Identification Documents

Having a government-issued ID with your photo on it is very important. Throughout your adult life, you will need to have these documents available for many reasons.

Employers, healthcare providers, landlords, banks, schools, voting sites, stores, public benefits providers, bus stations, airports, and many more places require your official photo ID. While many people use their driver license for this, some people don’t have a driver license and use an official Texas ID card. You will also need to show new employers your Social Security card, birth certificate, and Texas ID or driver license. It is impossible to get a government-issued ID or driver license when you don’t have a certified copy of your birth certificate, your original Social Security card, and other documents. Those who leave foster care missing any of these documents find it very difficult to function in the adult world and discover there is no quick way to resolve missing document problems.

All Documents Must Have the Same Name

All these important documents must have the exact same name on them, which should be the name that you use, and all names should be spelled correctly. If the documents have different names on them, are not in the name you use, or are not spelled correctly, they won’t be accepted as identification and you will have all sorts of problems. If you were ever adopted, there is a chance that some of your identification documents might have your birth name still listed on them. It is much easier to get a court order to fix your name problems while you are still under 18 and have a CPS court case open.