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Getting an IDNYC card

IDNYC is New York City's free photo ID for residents aged 10 and over, regardless of immigration status. What it is good for, the documents and points you need, how to book an appointment or walk in, when the card arrives, and what it cannot be used for.

Checked 8 Oct 2026
Applies to
All New York City residents aged 10 and over who can prove their identity and NYC residency. Immigration status does not affect eligibility.
Effort
Low effort
Time needed
One appointment of about an hour; the card is mailed within 10 to 14 business days after approval
Cost
Free for applications through 31 December 2026; replacing a lost or stolen card costs $10 (hardship waivers available).
When
Once you have a New York City address and a document that proves it
Where
New York City, United States
On this page
  1. Overview
  2. Before you start
  3. Documents you need
  4. Step by step
  5. What IDNYC is good for
  6. What it is not
  7. Validity and replacement
  8. Watch out
  9. Common mistakes
  10. Tips
  11. Frequently asked questions
  12. Official links
  13. In your plan
  14. Sources
  15. Related guides

IDNYC is the free identification card of the City of New York for residents aged 10 and over. It is available regardless of immigration status, and the City keeps applicants' information confidential under the City's Administrative Code. Original documents are returned to you immediately.

For newcomers, IDNYC is often the first local photo ID with a New York address. It is accepted by City agencies and the NYPD, works as a public library card, is accepted by some banks and credit unions for opening an account, and gives free one-year memberships at dozens of cultural institutions and discounts on entertainment and fitness.

Before you start

  • A New York City address
  • Original identity and residency documents worth 3 points of identity and 1 point of residency

Documents you need

  • Foreign passport (identity)

    required

  • US visa or other US immigration document (identity)

    optional

  • Proof of NYC residency

    required

  • Current lease (residency)

    optional

  • Document with your date of birth

    required

Step by step

  1. Step 1: Check your documents with the Document Calculator

    You need documents worth 3 points of identity (including a photo ID and a document showing your date of birth) and 1 point of NYC residency. A foreign passport and US visas or immigration documents count towards identity; a current lease, a recent utility bill or a recent bank statement can prove residency. Use the IDNYC Document Calculator to check exactly how many points your documents are worth.

  2. Step 2: Book an appointment or use walk-in hours

    Book online through the IDNYC portal or call 311. New appointments are released every Friday for the following Monday to Friday; book only one appointment per person and cancel if you cannot come. Walk-ins are accepted first-come, first-served at some locations: Staten Island (Mondays), East New York (Tuesdays), Bronx Monterey (Wednesdays), Manhattan Union Square (Thursdays) and Queens Public Library at Central (Fridays). Applications by mail are not accepted.

  3. Step 3: Apply in person

    At the Enrollment Center, staff check your documents, take your photo and return your originals straight away. Applicants aged 10 to 13 apply with a parent or caretaker, who must show proof of the relationship.

  4. Step 4: Receive your card

    If your application is approved, the card is mailed to your home within 10 to 14 business days. If you have no stable address or have safety concerns, you can collect it at certain locations instead (for example a Brooklyn Public Library or Queens Public Library site, IDNYC Union Square, the Bronx Department of Finance or IDNYC Staten Island).

What IDNYC is good for

  • Photo ID to enter City buildings, including schools, and to access City services.
  • Accepted as ID by the NYPD.
  • Library card at New York City's public libraries.
  • Opening an account at certain banks and credit unions (each has its own extra requirements, often an SSN or ITIN).
  • Proof of address for school enrollment when it shows your address.
  • Free one-year memberships at participating cultural institutions, and discounts on movies, sports, fitness and attractions.

What it is not

IDNYC is a City card. It is not a New York State ID or driver license, it does not authorize work, and it cannot be used to buy alcohol or tobacco or to board a plane.

Validity and replacement

Cards are valid for 5 years for cardholders aged 16 and over and 2 years for ages 10 to 15, from approval. A lost or stolen card can be replaced for $10, with a hardship waiver available at Enrollment Centers. Renew in time to keep the benefits.

Watch out

Bring original documents; IDNYC staff return them to you immediately.

IDNYC does not give you permission to work or change your immigration status.

Common mistakes

  • Arriving without a document that proves NYC residency.
  • Booking several appointments for the same person, which blocks slots for others.
  • Expecting airport security or a bar to accept the card.

Tips

  • Apply before 31 December 2026 while the card is free for all applicants.
  • Use the card to activate free cultural memberships during your first year.
  • If bills are in your spouse's or partner's name, ask about using them together with a marriage or domestic partnership certificate.

Frequently asked questions

Editorial answers written by our team, based on the sources below.

Does IDNYC share my information with immigration authorities?

Applicants' information is confidential under the City's Administrative Code, and IDNYC returns your original documents immediately. Eligibility does not depend on immigration status. If you have specific concerns, call the City's Immigration Legal Support Hotline (800-354-0365).

Can my 12-year-old get a card?

Yes. Children aged 10 to 13 apply with a parent or caretaker who shows proof of the relationship; cards for ages 10 to 15 are valid for 2 years.

In your plan

  • Get your free IDNYC card

Sources

Written and checked by HomiStart editorial against the official sources below. Next scheduled check: 6 Jan 2027.

  1. City of New York (IDNYC)Official source
    IDNYC – Frequently Asked Questions (Opens {{site}} in a new tab)
    Accessed 8 Oct 2026
  2. City of New York (IDNYC)Official source
    IDNYC – How to apply (Opens {{site}} in a new tab)
    Accessed 8 Oct 2026
  3. City of New York (IDNYC)Official source
    IDNYC – Required documentation (Opens {{site}} in a new tab)
    Accessed 8 Oct 2026
  4. City of New York (IDNYC)Official source
    IDNYC – Banks and credit unions (Opens {{site}} in a new tab)
    Accessed 8 Oct 2026
  5. New York City Public SchoolsOfficial source
    Pre-Registration Checklist (T&I-29841) (Opens {{site}} in a new tab)
    Accessed 8 Oct 2026

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