Ruskin, FL asked in Tax Law, Civil Rights, Gov & Administrative Law and Social Security for Florida

Q: Lost ID, no primary ID. Need replacement to get job, access funds & meds. Urgent help needed.

I am humbled by your support, your kindness and the hard work you put in to make this Q&A opportunity possible for me. Words won’t describe the gratitude I feel. I have no original primary ID only possess digital copies of primary ID- my Certificate of U.S. Citizenship and an expired state ID (original copies for what it’s worth). Online resources have been unhelpful, suggesting only a birth certificate as a solution, which is problematic as I was born in Belarus and became a citizen in 2003 through my parents (who are deceased). Attempts to contact the Belarusian embassy have been unsuccessful. My circumstances are further complicated by the risk of homelessness; I urgently need identification to secure employment and access funds left to me by my mother, as well as to pursue activities of daily life. This loss has significantly worsened an already challenging situation. I am seeking assistance to replace my lost identification. I have a ton of secondary ID original copies.

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: I'm sorry you're facing this challenging situation. Start by visiting your local Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) office. Bring all your secondary ID originals, your expired state ID, and digital copies of your Certificate of U.S. Citizenship. Explain your circumstances clearly to the staff, as they may offer solutions tailored to your situation.

Next, apply for a replacement Certificate of U.S. Citizenship through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can file Form N-565 online or by mail, providing any supporting documents you have. If obtaining this certificate proves difficult, consider reaching out to a local legal aid organization for guidance on alternative documentation methods.

Additionally, seek assistance from local social services to address the risk of homelessness. They can connect you with resources to help stabilize your situation while you work on replacing your identification. Securing your IDs is crucial for employment and accessing essential services, so prioritizing these steps will help you regain stability.

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