People behind on child support can regain driver's license under prosecutor’s office program

The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will continue a program this year that helps people who are behind on child support payments get their driver's license reinstated.

In the “Good Faith Initiative”, noncustodial parents must make a child support payment and agree to continue them monthly. In return, they may have their driver's license reinstated.

Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears said his office heard from community members who were not able to drive to work to earn money to make those payments and realized the need for the program.

“It's been a really successful program that has benefited a number of families in our community, and we think has been really a net gain for not only the prosecutor's office, but the community as a whole,” Mears said.

Mears emphasized that having a driver's license in Indianapolis is particularly important, as the city lacks reliable public transportation – which makes work commutes more difficult.

The program is also helpful to those who were formerly incarcerated, Mears said. These payments can add up while the individual serves their sentence, leaving them with a high amount to pay once released.

The prosecutor’s office has offered the initiative since 2019, and about 550 people have participated. Mears said he hopes to continue the program for the foreseeable future.

Those interested in the program can apply at the Good Faith Initiative website, or by sending an email to csgoodfaith@indy.gov with their name, date of birth and contact information. 

Contact WFYI criminal justice reporter Katrina Pross at kpross@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @katrina_pross.

Pross is a Corps Member of Report for America, an initiative of The GroundTruth Project.