Can I See Some Identification? The Impact of Receiving Identification on Recidivism Upon Release From Prison

Elizabeth Steffensmeier

Social Science Quarterly, 2025, vol. 106, issue 6

Abstract: Objective This study evaluates the impact, on the likelihood of recidivism, of state‐level policies that provide government‐issued identification to individuals upon release from prison. Methods Using individual‐level data from the National Corrections Reporting Program (2000–2020), the effects of state‐level identification policies on recidivism were estimated using a difference‐in‐differences design. The analysis exploits variation in the timing and type of identification‐related legislation across states. Results States that have mandates to provide an identification card to inmates lacking one upon release or a policy in place stating that an inmate may receive assistance with obtaining identification experience statistically significant reductions in recidivism: a 7.7% decrease within 3 years, 8.6% within 5 years, and 7.7% within 8 years. Policies that mandate the provision of identification upon release show similar results for recidivism within 5 and 8 years. Conclusions Providing identification to individuals exiting prison is a cost‐effective and scalable policy intervention that facilitates reentry and reduces recidivism. These findings contribute to ongoing policy debates about improving post‐incarceration outcomes through administrative support mechanisms.

Date: 2025
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