Northern Virginia
Vital documents
Three documents unlock almost everything else.
Jobs, housing, benefits and treatment enrollment all ask for ID. The three that matter most are your birth certificate, a Virginia ID card, and your Social Security card. Each one helps you get the next, so the order matters.
How to use this section
- 1
Birth certificate first
It proves who you are and is needed for the other two.
- 2
Then your Virginia ID
Bring original documents to the DMV. Photocopies are not accepted.
- 3
Then your Social Security card
A replacement is free. You may be able to request it online with a Virginia ID.
Choose your path
Start here
Everything else depends on this one.
Next
Once you have a birth certificate in hand.
Keep it moving
Track the whole job, and put your documents to work.
Good to know
- Costs add up to about $25 to $31 for all three. Ask each office whether fee help applies to you.
- Keep originals in one folder or envelope, and take a photo of each as a backup.
- Ask your case manager or peer specialist to help with mailing addresses and forms.
Often needed next
Not sure where to start?
Answer a few short questions and we will point you to the paths that fit.