Santa Clara County Explores Issuing Government ID Cards

SANTA CLARA COUNTY (KCBS) – Santa Clara County is the most recent agency to explore issuing government ID cards, those that are targeted specifically for people who often have trouble obtaining other government-issued identification.

Among those who might benefit are the homeless, ex-convicts and undocumented immigrants, groups that are served by Santa Clara County. Proponents have said issuing them county ID cards could boost efficiency and allow for them to have more access to critical services.

KCBS' Matt Bigler Reports:

At the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors meeting this week, county leaders voted to study the ID card proposal. Supervisor Mike Wasserman said the system could help them monitor exactly who is using homeless services.

"When you take that card and put it in some slot or scanner, there has to be software in place," Wasserman said, noting that the potential for added cost.

Another challenge may be convincing some clients to sign up for the cards. Raymond Carpenter, a homeless man living in downtown San Jose, isn't sure he wants a government ID.

"You can't walk around with an ID or else you get a ticket," he said.

San Francisco launched its city ID card program in 2009, issuing cards that allow access to libraries and other city services.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)