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Identity Documents

Home > Get Legal Help > Identity Documents

For many people, a first step in overcoming homelessness is obtaining identification. Simple as that sounds, there can be real barriers to the process. Whether your barrier is cost-related, due to missing paperwork, complications in the process, or not knowing where to begin, HAP can help.

Starting from scratch? Click here for HAP’s flyer on how to go from no ID to the big three–birth certificate, ID, and SS card.

Related Services

Birth Certificates

Every year, HAP helps close to a thousand Philadelphians obtain their birth certificates through our clinics. Now that Pennsylvania is waiving the application fee for anyone experiencing homelessness, we can show you how to request your own birth record. Born out of state, or have some other issue? HAP can help with that too.

Get Help

  • For a comprehensive guide on how to request birth certificates with HAP, click right here.
  • PA birth certificates are free to anyone experiencing homelessness. Click here for the PA BC application with the fee waiver.
  • Fees are also waived for anyone born in PA who is under the age of 18 and in the Foster Care or Juvenile Justice System. See application here.

PA State ID

For anyone experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia, new PA state IDs are now free. Exceptions do apply though, like if your ID is lost rather than expired.

Get Help

Here’s what you need to know about getting an ID in Philadelphia.

Social Security Cards

Social Security provides free replacement cards, but barriers still arise. Whether you don’t know your SS Number or need to request a change, HAP can help.

Get Help

  • Here’s what you’ll need to request your SS Card.
    Have an issue? Call our office at 215-523-9595 or come to one of our clinics.

Replacement Immigration Documents

Immigration documents, like green cards and passports, can be tricky to replace and may impact your status. No matter your country of origin, HAP can help locate and obtain replacements, or refer you to another program that is better positioned to help.

Get Help

  • Need a replacement Green Card? Learn more here.
  • For all issues and questions, call HAP at 215-523-9595 or come to one of our clinics.

Related Additional Resources

PA Birth Certificate Application

Link to Site/Download

Social Security Card Application

Link to Site/Download

Replacement Immigration Documents

Link to Site/Download

Other Services

HAP provides a wide spectrum of free legal assistance relating to issues such as SSI, TANF, medical assistance, food stamps, veterans compensation and pension, upgrading veteran discharge characterization, custody and other family law issues, identity documentation, accessing shelter and other housing-related services, and MORE.

Learn More About HAP
HAP
  • Get Legal Help
    • Identity Documents
    • Disability Benefits (SSI/SSDI)
    • Veterans
    • Children, Youth, & Families
    • HAP’s COVID-19 Response and Resources
  • Staff & Board
  • HAP Careers
  • Other Ways to Donate
  • Emergency Shelter

Contact info
1429 Walnut Street, 15th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19102

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Email: [email protected]
Toll-Free: (800) 837-2672

Phone: (215) 523-9595
Fax: (215) 523-9599

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