Use when someone has no photo ID and needs a New Mexico state ID card for benefits, work, housing or a shelter bed.
In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Check that they are safe tonight
You can ask"Do you have a safe place to sleep tonight?"
At the Gospel MissionSierra House is for women and children. Ask Mission staff about space.
610 N. Silver St. (cul-de-sac at 7th St. and Gold, behind the public works yard), Silver City · Usually opens December 1, every night from 5:00 pm. May be open more of the year: SPIN reported 3,900 bed nights in one quarter of 2025. Call to check.
2Find out what papers they already have
You can say"Let's see what you already have. Old or expired papers can still help."
You can ask"Do you have a birth certificate or a Social Security card?"
You can ask"Do you have an old ID that expired less than 1 year ago, or a prison ID?"
You can ask"Do you have a Medicaid or Medicare card, a DD-214, a tribal ID or a Mexican consular ID?"
You can ask"Do you get SNAP or Medicaid right now?"
3Get a benefits printout if they get SNAP or Medicaid
People on SNAP, Medicaid or cash aid can ask for a benefits printout or award letter.
MVD takes it (if dated within a year) as proof of identity and New Mexico address.
NM Health Care Authority - Income Support Division (Grant County office)
2610 N Silver St, Suite 7, Silver City · Office Mon-Fri 8am-5pm (closed 12-1); vital records hours are limited, call first
Bring
Form 607
homeless Self-Attestation form
2 or more backup papers (Social Security card, medical or school records, tax form, baptismal certificate, voter card, tribal or school ID)
At the Gospel MissionThe Mission can sign the homeless Self-Attestation form. With it, the birth certificate is free (otherwise $10).
5Write the Mission's letters for MVD
At the Gospel MissionSign the homelessness attestation. This makes the ID card free. No notary is needed.
At the Gospel MissionWrite an affidavit or notarized letter that says where the person stays or gets services. This takes the place of 2 proofs of New Mexico address.
6Book the MVD appointment
The MVD office is at 1876 Hwy 180 E. in Silver City.
Book online at mvd.newmexico.gov or call 888-683-4636. Most offices need an appointment.
NM Motor Vehicle Division - Silver City field office
At the Gospel MissionThey can get mail at the Mission for free: Their Name, c/o Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, NM 88061.
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date. You can help from home, an hour a week. See how →
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.