Department of Corrections Executive Summary:

The Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) remains committed to ensuring that inmates under the care of the VADOC have access to the identification documents necessary for successful reentry. Identification documents, including birth certificates, Social Security cards, and DMV IDs, are essential for accessing employment, housing, healthcare, and other critical services. By securing identification documents, public safety is enhanced through the successful reintegration of incarcerated individuals. Prioritizing early acquisition and providing structured support, the VADOC equips individuals with tools and resources needed to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities.

• Through interagency partnerships, structured programs, and targeted reentry support, staff assist individuals in navigating barriers such as legal name changes and required in-person verification. Facilities may escort individuals during the final 30 days of incarceration to SSA offices, Vital Records offices, or DMV locations as needed.

• Staff provide extensive guidance and coaching on the importance of identity documents in promoting good citizenship and enabling access to employment, housing, healthcare, and other essential community services. Financial assistance is available for fees associated with obtaining required documents, and all facilities are monitored through the Offender Management System to ensure compliance.

• VADOC continues to explore opportunities to leverage legislative and policy initiatives, to incentivize acquisition of identity documents. Partnerships with the Virginia Department of Health aim to streamline electronic access to birth certificates for Virginia-born individuals, improving timeliness and reliability.

Identified Barriers

• Legal name changes can create cascading barriers, complicating access to birth certificates, DMV IDs, and replacement Social Security cards.
• Nationwide delays in processing birth certificate applications may hinder timely document acquisition.
• Limited DMV Connect visits, cancellations and reschedules can restrict prerelease access to DMV IDs for some individuals.

Recommendations

• VADOC recommends that an MOU be entered into between VADOC and DMV to electronically transfer the personal information (PI) on the prescribed Offender ID form prior to the former inmate entering a DMV customer service location to obtain an ID.

• VADOC recommends that additional PI elements be added to the offender ID form to assist DMV in verifying an individual’s proof of legal presence.

• The department recommends that the scope of the efforts outlined in Chapter 656 be expanded to include individuals on community supervision.

State Board of Local & Regional Jails Executive Summary:

House Bill 2221, 2025 (HB2221), requires the State Board of Local and Regional Jails (BLRJ) to work in conjunction with the Virginia Department of Corrections (DOC), the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Office of Vital Records to review processes and identify obstacles involved in assisting inmates with applying for and obtaining government-issued identification(s) and report findings and recommendations to the General Assembly no later than November 1, 2025.

Report Findings:

• Efforts to facilitate identification issuance for inmates faces a range of operational, administrative, and systemic obstacles across the Commonwealth.

• Local and regional jail challenges differ significantly from those pertaining to state prisons because a significant number of inmates in local and regional jails are often released within hours or days, leaving little or no time to initiate or complete identification application processes.

• Jails and the DMV report limited full-time employee positions and administrative bandwidth to manage the documentation and coordination necessary for inmate identification issuance.

• Most local and regional jails do not track the numbers of inmates released with and/or without identification.

Recommendations:

• Explore cost and staffing needs to expand DMV Connect services to ensure services are provided equitably across the Commonwealth’s local and regional jails.