To get an IDNYC card, you will need to prove both your identity and your New York City residency. The program has assigned point values to different types of documents. You will need to prove at least three points worth of identity documents and at least one point worth of residency documents. 

Documents that prove both residency and identity include:

• A New York State Driver's License with a current New York City address
• A New York State Department of Motor Vehicles ID card with a current New York City address

If you have one of the above documents, you will not need any further documents to apply for an IDNYC card.

Examples of documents that help prove identity are: 

• U.S. or foreign passports
• Out of state driver's licenses 
• Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards 

Examples of documents that help prove residency are: 

• Utility, phone, or cable bills 
• Leases
• Employment pay stubs  

You can get the full list of more than 60 categories of acceptable documents and their point values online, or 311 can help you to determine if you have the correct paperwork.

If you are not able to provide a residency document with your own name, you may bring a document with your spouse or domestic partner's name and a proof of relationship. 

You will also need to provide an attestation signed by your spouse or domestic partner, stating that you live together. 

You can get details and the attestation form online.

Learn more about IDNYC.

If you are using a document that is in a language other than English or Spanish, IDNYC staff must arrange for a translator to be present at your appointment. 

When making your appointment, include your language in the “Special Instructions” field of the appointment request form. 

All translation services will be provided free of charge.

Many foreign passports are “machine-readable.” This means that the passport contains a type of text that computers or scanners can recognize and process. This text is sometimes located at the bottom of the passport. 

If you have an unexpired machine-readable foreign passport, it can be used to prove the 3 “Identity” points required for an IDNYC card. A machine-readable passport that expired within the last 3 years is worth 2 “identity” points.

If you don't know if your foreign passport is machine-readable, you should assume that it is not, and that it is worth 2 “Identity” points. You will need 1 more “Identity” point. You can reach the required 3 “Identity” points by bringing your non-machine-readable passport and another document, such as a foreign drivers license or a foreign birth certificate, when you go to your IDNYC Enrollment Center appointment.

To apply for an IDNYC card, you will also need a document that proves you live in New York City.

You can go online or 311 can help you to determine if you have the correct paperwork.

If you do not have enough identity or residency points using documents, and you currently receive certain benefits through the City, IDNYC can look up your existing records to try to award identity or residency points when you go to your appointment. 

This is only available if you:

• Currently receive Cash Assistance OR
• Currently reside in NYCHA housing OR
• Are the primary recipient of a Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption OR
• Currently receive services from the Department of Homeless Services OR
• Were born within the five boroughs of New York City

IDNYC can only look up information with the explicit consent of the applicant and cannot guarantee that points will be awarded. As always, IDNYC is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all IDNYC cardholders and applicants.

The IDNYC card is an official, government-issued identification document that is accepted by local law enforcement and New York City agencies. To maintain the integrity standards of the program, all applicants must present photo ID.

IDNYC accepts many kinds of reliable photo IDs, including foreign identity cards and passports. They also allow applicants ages 21 and under, as well as applicants of all ages who have physical, intellectual or developmental disabilities, to apply without a photo ID if they are accompanied by a caretaker.

You can find a full list of photo ID documents accepted on IDNYC's website, and IDNYC staff can help you review what documents are accepted for photo ID at an enrollment center.

Learn more about IDNYC.

As of January 15, 2019, when applying for your IDNYC card, you may choose whichever gender option is most comfortable and accurate for you. You do not need to submit any “proof” of your gender identity. You may choose not to designate your gender, leaving this field blank. You may also choose the option “X” to designate a gender that is neither male nor female.

There is no charge for IDNYC cardholders who want to change the gender marker on their current card.  

Changes to gender designation can be made through the IDNYC Online Portal. An appointment at an enrollment center can assist in this replacement process. Appointments can be made through the IDNYC website or through 311.

U.S. Veterans can have “Veteran” printed on the front of the IDNYC card. To apply, you will need an original or certified copy of one of the following:

• DD 214 - A Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty indicating an Honorable Discharge
• DD 2 (Retired) - US Uniformed Services Identification Card (Retired)
• Veterans Health Identification Card (VIC/VHIC)
• NGB-22 - National Guard discharge document
• NYS DMV Driver License or Non-Driver ID with veteran marker on it
• Letter from the Mayor's Office of Veterans' Affairs confirming military service

If you are a U.S. veteran and want to add the Veteran Designation to the card, but do not possess a proof of veteran status document, the Department of Veterans' Services can help you get proof of service.

Online

Visit the Department of Veterans' Services page.

By Phone