- 1 min read
- Posted on 06.20.06
How free is the “free” state-mandated photo ID required by the new Voter ID law?
Not very, according to the Recorder of Deed’s office.
For a woman born and married in the City, and using her husband’s surname instead of her birth name, and presently without a driver’s license or state ID, the cost would be $27, the cost of the documents necessary to obtain the free photo ID.
Fifteen dollars is the fee for a certified copy of a birth certificate in Missouri. A photo ID - hers or a blood relative’s - is required to purchase a copy. Her friends, nurse, doctor, or shelter worker is not eligible to purchase a copy for her.
Twelve dollars is the fee for a certified copy of a marriage license in St. Louis City. (The marriage license is necessary because the ID applicant’s married name is different from her birth name.)
So, that’s what a “free” voter ID could cost in the City. Fees for these supporting documents vary from county to county.
Why not just call Voter IDs a poll tax?
