Executive Summary
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) launched the nation’s first Instant Identity Card (IIC) for individuals who do not have their physical driver’s license or identification (DL/ID) card, nor access to it on their mobile device. The IIC is a printed paper document featuring a photograph of the holder, select demographic information, and a scannable QR code, which can be used to electronically verify the holder’s identity.
The IIC is available to existing California residents with a valid, unexpired DL/ID card on record who need immediate proof of identity to gain access to aid and services. This card can be especially beneficial for Californians affected by natural disasters and the unhoused population. Californians can request an IIC at DMV disaster recovery centers or outreach events for the unhoused. The IIC is printed on-site at the time of the request.
California has 181,399 unhoused residents, accounting for 28 percent of the nation’s homeless population. This includes the nation’s highest rate of unsheltered unhoused residents at 68 percent (123,423 were unsheltered). Californians who need county, state, or federal services can use the IIC to access them as much as five to 10 days faster than without one.
The IIC also reduces identity fraud, which is rampant during disaster situations, and ensures Californians can access essential services while anticipating and mitigating risk.
IIC holders can present their card to any entity that possesses a mobile or electronic device with a camera, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. The verifying party can access the verification website by typing the URL, displayed on the face of the IIC, into a search engine on their mobile or electronic device, or by scanning the QR code printed on the IIC.
