Vital Documents - A Legal Hotline for Youth

About this resource

The “I Am Here” hotline is a free, national legal support line for young people who need help getting or replacing vital documents like a birth certificate, state ID, or Social Security card. This is especially useful for youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability.

• When You Can Call:
  The hotline is open every Wednesday:

• 12–8 PM Eastern

• 11 AM–7 PM Central

• 10 AM–6 PM Mountain

• 9 AM–5 PM Pacific

• If you call outside those hours, you can leave a voicemail and someone will call you back.

  Who Can Call:
  Any young person who needs help getting important documents like a birth certificate, ID, or Social Security card.

  Who You'll Talk To:
  Friendly legal professionals and volunteer lawyers who know how to help youth get documents in their specific state.

  What They’ll Help With:
  They’ll walk you through what steps to take in your state to get or replace your vital documents—no legal jargon, just helpful info.

Who can use this resource (eligibility)?

• Youth of any age who need help getting ID or vital documents

• Especially helpful for youth experiencing homelessness or without adult support

• No legal paperwork or proof of homelessness is needed to use the hotline