How can I see a doctor with no I.D.?

[Unregistered]

Hi, I am a 17 year old runaway who has been living away from my parents for over 8 months now. My parents do not know where I am and are still somewhat actively looking for me and have filed reports. I do however keep in contact with them through email to let them know how I'm doing.

Anyway, on to the question. When I ran away I had never had any type of driver's license or I.D.. I don't have my birth certificate or my social security card. I don't even have my SS number memorized. With absolutely no I.D., how can I visit a doctor in Georgia or a surrounding state?

Also, is there any way to obtain an I.D. without my parents being involved?

Thank you.

[ccsmod1]

Re: How can I see a doctor with no I.D.?

Hi,

Thank you for contacting the National Runaway Switchboard and sharing your story. We're sorry to hear about your need for medical attention but you don't have any identifyng documents to show proof of who you are. The questions you ask are really good questions that we can't directly answer due to every city/state/county being different on their policies and how they deal with homeless youth recieving medical attention without identification.

This is a link to the Georgia's Department of Driver Services website where it indicates what is necessary to get a Georgia state ID: http://www.dds.ga.gov/drivers/dldata...47740603&ty=dl

Since you are in contact with your parents, is it possible to ask them for those important documents? it seems the worst they can say is no, but if they say yes, it will be easier for you to get an ID and do other things you need to do.

Have you been able to recieve any kind of homeless youth services at a drop in center or shelter? If you give us a call at our 24 hour confidential hotline 1800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) we can help you find places that can help you with food, shelter, and perhaps get you an ID from the shelter or maybe a drop in center that provides free health services for homeless youth. To find programs we need to know what city and state you live in. You sound very brave and we're glad you contacted us for help. We hope this information helped.

Best of luck,
NRS

[Unregistered]

Reply

I am in the Atlanta area.
I am staying with a friends family. They know the risk but think it's worth it.
If I ask my parents for the documents then they would have to mail them to me which would require me giving them my address letting them know exactly where I am. I need some other alternative.

[ccsmod3]

Re: How can I see a doctor with no I.D.?

Hello again,

It sounds like you are set with your plan and you and your friend’s family are okay of any risks involved in having you stay with them. We aren’t legal experts, but we can provide some legal aid referrals in Atlanta who may be able to point you in the direction you are looking for.

Atlanta Legal Aid Society Inc.
(404)-524-5811

http://www.atlantalegalaid.org

Atlanta Volunteer Lawyers Foundation, Inc.
(404) 521- 0790

Georgia Legal Services Program, Inc.
Toll Free/ Hotline: (800) 498-9469

https://www.glsp.org

It sounds like you have some decisions to make. Feel free to contact us directly either by calling 24/7 at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929) or through Live Chat (red button on www.1800runaway.org). We hope you are able to get the medical care you are seeking. Best of luck!