ID Office

About the ID Office

Without legal Identification, an individual is unable to apply for job, secure housing, cash a check, receive a Social Security card or open a bank account.

To obtain a State of Michigan ID, a person must present numerous forms of documentation such as a marriage license, birth record or school record. These documents are difficult to procure and may require a fee. To respond to this need, Dégagé started a State ID Program in October 2002 and has since helped nearly 4,300 individuals obtain an ID. We’ve also helped thousands of individuals receive birth certificates.

Well-trained staff and volunteers in the ID Office work alongside individuals through the process of attaining a State of Michigan ID and/or birth certificate. Once a week, a staff member takes a group to the Secretary of State Office to formally apply for legal identification.

Need Help?

If you are having trouble getting vital documents or are having a hard time paying for them, we may be able to assist you. To do so, we must work within the required guidelines of the State of Michigan and local county clerks. Requirements will vary based on the state or county in which you were born. Once we have more information about your specific situation, we will give you further details about what you need and will work with you to get additional documents.

What should I bring with me on my first visit to the ID Office?

Below are some helpful items to bring with you when visiting the ID Office for the first time. Bring as many as possible. If you do not have these items, we will work with you to obtain them.

  • State ID (if needing help obtaining a birth certificate)
  • Social Security Card
  • Birth Certificate
  • Military Documents
  • Passport
  • Citizenship Papers
  • Bills
  • Bank Statement
  • Bridge Card
  • Medical Documents
  • Documents from the Social Security Administration, or the Department of Human Services
  • Prison Identification Card or Release Documents
  • School Records
  • Any other form of pictures ID (ie. Employment ID, School ID, or out of State ID)

What is the cost?

A State of Michigan ID Card costs $10. Vital documents such as birth certificates vary in cost from $10-$40. Dégagé Ministries cannot always provide full funding for every individual and may ask you to cover a portion of the fee depending on your current situation. We will work with each individual to find the resources needed to cover the costs of this process.

How long does it take to get a State of Michigan ID Card?

When working with us, the complete process of getting your physical State of Michigan Identification Card will take a minimum of 3 weeks and can take up to several months depending on your situation.

How long does it take to get a birth certificate?

The length of time required to obtain a birth certificate varies based on the county and state in which you were born. It may take a minimum of 3 weeks and can take up to several months depending on your situation. Individuals born in Kent County may be able to go to the county clerk in person to obtain the birth certificate immediately, but again it varies based on your situation.

Do I have to come to Dégagé to get an ID?

It is possible to obtain an ID or birth certificate on your own without coming to Dégagé. However, if you need help, you must come in person to our program. Please note, we operate under the exact same requirements of the State of Michigan and other municipalities. Therefore, we cannot make any exceptions. We do not make ID cards at our facility, but take trips to the Secretary of State to show the required information and apply for a card.

Can I check the status of my ID or birth certificate over the phone?

Yes, you can check the state of your vital records by calling 616-454-1661 and asking for the ID Office. If you leave a phone number with us, we will call you when your document arrives.

What are the hours of the ID Office and where is it located?

The ID Office is open 8:00AM-11:30AM and 1:00PM-3:00PM, Monday-Friday. It is located on our 2nd floor and may be accessed through our side door on Cherry St. The address of Dégagé is 144 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-4216.