Identification and Benefits After Prison in Wyoming

Wyoming is one of approximately 10 states that has not expanded Medicaid, meaning most adults returning from incarceration will not qualify for Wyoming Medicaid unless they are parents at very low income, disabled, elderly, or pregnant. Wyoming also retains a lifetime SNAP ban for people with felony drug convictions -- one of the remaining states that has not removed or modified this restriction.

Wyoming does have published written procedures for assisting inmates with photo IDs, birth certificates, and Social Security cards before release. And voting rights in Wyoming are restored automatically for first-time nonviolent felony offenders upon completion of sentence -- though others must petition the Governor.

Here is how the system works and what you need to do.

What Wyoming DOC Provides at Release

The Wyoming Department of Corrections (WDOC, corrections.wy.gov) has published written policies and procedures governing assistance with photo IDs, birth certificates, and Social Security cards before release. Wyoming is among the states that operate ID document assistance programs without a statutory mandate, but with published written procedures.

Ask your WDOC case manager or social worker directly whether the facility has initiated your photo ID, birth certificate, and Social Security card before release and confirm the status of each document. Do not assume these have been started -- ask your case manager directly and early.

WDOC provides reentry planning and case management, vocational and educational programming, and substance abuse treatment inside facilities. Contact your WDOC reentry coordinator or case manager to understand what pre-release services are available at your specific facility.

Getting Your Wyoming State ID or Driver's License

Wyoming state IDs and driver's licenses are issued by the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT, dot.wy.gov/driver-license).

WDOC has written procedures for assisting inmates with photo ID before release -- confirm with your case manager whether this has been initiated.

If your ID was not processed before release, visit any Wyoming DOT driver's license office. You will need documents establishing your identity, Social Security number, and Wyoming residency. Standard documents include a birth certificate or passport, your Social Security card, and proof of a Wyoming address. Your WDOC release documentation serves as a supporting identity document.

Getting Your Social Security Card

WDOC has written procedures for assisting inmates with Social Security card replacement before release -- confirm with your case manager.

If your Social Security card was not obtained before release, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, apply online at ssa.gov, or visit your nearest SSA office. Replacement cards are free. Bring your state ID and birth certificate.

Ask your case manager whether your facility has a prerelease SSA agreement allowing the card replacement and benefit application process to begin up to 90 days before release.

Getting Your Birth Certificate

WDOC has written procedures for assisting inmates with birth certificate access before release -- confirm with your case manager.

If your birth certificate was not obtained before release and you were born in Wyoming, request a certified copy from the Wyoming Department of Health Vital Statistics at health.wyo.gov or by calling (307) 777-7591. The fee is currently $13 per copy.

If you were born in another state, contact that state's vital records office. Start this process early -- out-of-state requests can take time.

Medicaid in Wyoming

Wyoming has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Wyoming Medicaid is administered by the Wyoming Department of Health (health.wyo.gov; 307-777-6964). Eligibility is limited to specific categories:

Children under 19.

Pregnant women.

Parents and caretaker relatives of minor children at very low income thresholds.

People who qualify through disability (through SSI/SSDI).

People ages 65+.

Most single adults and childless adults returning from Wyoming state prisons will not qualify for Wyoming Medicaid after release regardless of income. There is a coverage gap in Wyoming.

If you have dependent children and very low income, ask your WDOC case manager before release whether a Medicaid application can be initiated.

For free and low-cost health care after release: Wyoming's federally qualified health centers and community clinics provide low-cost care. Search findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov for federally qualified health centers near you. FreeClinics.com also lists free and affordable health clinics in Wyoming.

Apply for Wyoming Medicaid at wdh.hhs.gov or call the Wyoming Department of Health at 307-777-6964.

Wyoming Juvenile Medicaid (CAA 2023, effective January 1, 2025): Wyoming received CMS approval (SPA WY-25-0002, approved August 29, 2025, effective January 1, 2025) for mandatory Medicaid coverage of eligible juveniles (under age 21 and former foster care youth to age 26) in post-adjudication incarceration. This includes screening, diagnostic services, and targeted case management in the 30 days before release and 30 days post-release. Wyoming also elected to provide full Medicaid benefits to eligible juveniles pending disposition of charges. If you or a family member is under 21 and eligible for Medicaid, this program provides pre-release services. Confirm current status at health.wyo.gov.

SNAP: Food Assistance

Wyoming retains a lifetime SNAP ban for people with felony drug convictions. People convicted of a drug-related felony in Wyoming are not eligible for SNAP. This ban has not been modified or removed.

This ban applies to SNAP only. It does not affect Medicaid (for those who otherwise qualify) or other non-SNAP benefits.

If you have a drug felony conviction and need food assistance after release, contact 211 Wyoming (dial 211 or wy211.org) for food pantry and emergency food referrals. Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies and Feeding Laramie Valley serve portions of the state.

Voting Rights in Wyoming

Wyoming's voting rights restoration rules depend on your conviction:

First-time nonviolent felony offenders: Voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of your sentence, including all probation and parole supervision.

All other felony offenders (violent offenders or those with more than one felony): Voting rights are not automatically restored. You must petition the Governor for a pardon or restoration of rights.

Contact Wyoming Legal Services (wyls.org) or the Wyoming Secretary of State's office (soswy.state.wy.us) if you have questions about your specific eligibility and how to determine which category you fall into.

Once eligible, register to vote at soswy.state.wy.us.

Wyoming DOC and Reentry Resources

Wyoming DOC (corrections.wy.gov): Published procedures for photo ID, birth certificate, and Social Security card assistance before release; reentry planning and case management; vocational and educational programming; substance abuse treatment.

Wyoming Medicaid / Department of Health (health.wyo.gov; 307-777-6964): Wyoming Medicaid applications; juvenile pre-release Medicaid (SPA WY-25-0002).

Wyoming DOT Driver's License (dot.wy.gov/driver-license): State ID and driver's license.

Wyoming Department of Health Vital Statistics (health.wyo.gov; 307-777-7591): Birth certificates; $13 per copy.

Wyoming Legal Services (wyls.org): Free civil legal assistance for eligible low-income Wyoming residents, including benefit access, voting rights restoration, housing, and reentry matters.

Wyoming Secretary of State (soswy.state.wy.us): Voter registration; voting rights restoration information.

211 Wyoming (wy211.org; dial 211): Statewide referrals to housing, food, health, employment, and social services. Primary resource for food assistance when SNAP is unavailable due to drug felony ban.

Social Security Administration (ssa.gov; 1-800-772-1213): SSI and SSDI applications; SSA Reentry Benefits at ssa.gov/reentry/benefits.htm.