State to issue convicts ID cards upon release

The Department of Corrections will soon issue photo identification to offenders released from prison to aid them in obtaining new driver's licenses or Washington state identification cards, the agency announced Friday.

Convicts often lack proper identification because they lost their driver's licenses or failed to keep track of other documents such as Social Security cards. That can make it more difficult upon their release to find employment or housing, which boosts their chances for recidivism, according to the Corrections Department.

When they're released, Corrections will provide offenders with department-issued ID cards that the Department of Licensing has agreed to accept as one of several required documents for obtaining a state driver's license or ID card. The department still will require offenders to present documents such as birth certificates, passports or military ID to verify identity.

Under the agreement with the Licensing Department, Corrections will send an electronic notification to Licensing with the offender's photo, description, Social Security number and date of birth.

"For those people who can't find some of their documents, (this) gives them another avenue to get their ID," said Christine Anthony, a Licensing spokeswoman.

Corrections officials also plan to do more to help offenders find identification documents. The Licensing Department also will provide brochures explaining the requirements for Washington ID cards to newly incarcerated inmates.