# IDNYC, the city ID card

Source: https://www.qaravan.org/resources/documents/idnyc/

A free City photo ID for New Yorkers aged 10 and up, whatever their immigration status.

You bring documents to an Enrollment Center, get photographed, and the card comes by mail. Mail-in applications are not accepted.

State licenses and IDs come from a different agency, the New York State DMV.

## Start here

- Apply by December 31, 2026: until then the card is free. No one asks about immigration status.
- Bring original documents worth 4 points: 3 for identity and 1 for a New York City address.
- Book on the IDNYC portal (available in Russian) or walk in on your center's day.

## What IDNYC is and who can get it

- IDNYC Any status NYC residents Free For all New Yorkers aged 10 and up, whatever their status; status is not asked. Applications by December 31, 2026 are free; the price after that has not been announced. Valid 5 years if you are 16 or older, 2 years if you are 10 to 15. It comes by mail in 10 to 14 business days. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/frequently-asked-questions/frequently-asked-questions.page)
- Applicants up to age 21 Under 25 NYC residents Free If you are 21 or under and have no photo ID, come with a caretaker, an adult who confirms who you are. A stepparent can be one by showing your birth certificate and their marriage, civil union or domestic partnership certificate. The caretaker needs 3 identity points including a photo ID, and you need at least 2, including your date of birth. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/frequently-asked-questions/frequently-asked-questions.page)
- What the City does with your information Any status The City protects applicants' data as far as federal and state law allow (Local Law 35 of 2014) and, under mayoral Executive Orders 34 and 41, does not ask about status. Since December 7, 2016 it has not kept copies of your documents, and your originals are returned right away. Applicant data is handed over only under a judicial warrant or judicial subpoena, and HRA tries to tell the person in writing about such a request. Law enforcement has no direct access to the IDNYC database. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/about/privacy-and-confidentiality.page)

## What the card is good for and what it is not

The card proves who you are to City services and many organizations, but it does not replace a driver's license, an ID for flying or a work permit.

- City services and public buildings Any status NYC residents City agencies accept IDNYC for services and programs, and it gets you into public buildings such as schools and NYC Health + Hospitals. The NYPD accepts it as ID to issue a summons or desk appearance ticket instead of arrest for some offenses. You can take the high school equivalency exam with IDNYC. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/benefits/benefits.page)
- Benefits, housing and health insurance Any status NYC residents With IDNYC you can apply for SNAP food benefits, Cash Assistance, Section 8 housing, affordable housing through NYC Housing Connect, and health insurance through the NYS Health Insurance Marketplace. [access.nyc.gov](https://access.nyc.gov/programs/idnyc/)
- Libraries, banks, museums and immunization records Any status NYC residents You can link the card to a library card. Some banks and credit unions accept it as ID (ask first). It gives a free one-year membership at more than 35 museums, zoos and theaters, and lets you open your own or your child's vaccine record online in My Vaccine Record. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/benefits/benefits.page)
- Employers Any status With a work permit (EAD) An employer may accept IDNYC to confirm identity, but only together with a document showing the right to work, such as an EAD. The card itself does not give that right. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/benefits/benefits.page)
- What IDNYC does not do Any status NYC residents It does not let you drive, cannot be used to get a license, buy alcohol or tobacco, or fly. It gives no immigration status or work permit. Some military bases don't accept it. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/frequently-asked-questions/frequently-asked-questions.page)

## Which documents to bring: the points system

You need 3 points for identity and 1 for a New York City address. The full list with points is in the IDNYC Applicant Document Guide and [the document calculator on the IDNYC website](https://access.nyc.gov/programs/idnyc/).

1. Collect 3 points of identity One document from the first row of the table gives all 3 points: for example, a valid foreign passport with a machine-readable zone (two lines of letters and numbers at the bottom of the data page), a valid EAD, or a DHS I-94 record with photo and fingerprints. Without one, add up documents with fewer points.
2. Check for a photo and a date of birth Your documents must include at least one with a photo and at least one showing your date of birth.
3. Add 1 point for your address A current lease, a bill or bank statement no older than 60 days, a letter from NYCHA (City public housing), an HRA Case Composition Summary, or an ICE Order of Supervision no older than a year.
4. Take originals Originals and copies certified by the agency that issued the document are accepted. Expired documents are not accepted, except where the guide allows them.
5. If you are short of points Talk to Enrollment Center staff. Also worth 2 points each: USCIS notices I-797, I-797A, I-797B and I-797D, an ITIN assignment letter, a consular ID, and ICE forms I-220B (order of supervision release), I-220A (release on recognizance) and I-385 (booking record).

Examples of documents and their points from the IDNYC Applicant Document Guide (edition 05/25); the list is not complete

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## If you have no permanent address

A letter from a shelter or an organization that helps homeless people, and some other papers, also count. The letter decides which address goes on the card.

- Letter from a shelter Any status NYC residents Free The letter must say you have lived at the shelter for 15 days and that it allows stays over 30 days; it must be dated within 60 days before you apply. The shelter's address goes on the card. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/idnyc/downloads/pdf/idnyc_applicant_document_guide-Rev072025.pdf)
- Letter from a City agency, nonprofit or religious institution that serves homeless people Any status NYC residents Free The letter must be dated within 30 days before you apply. No address goes on the card, and you pick it up in person at the center. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/idnyc/downloads/pdf/idnyc_applicant_document_guide-Rev072025.pdf)
- A "care of" letter from an organization or religious institution Any status NYC residents Free A New York City nonprofit or religious community can let its address be printed on your card (a care-of address). This works only if it serves homeless people or survivors of domestic violence and currently has City funding. The letter must say it has served you for the past 60 days and you can get mail there, dated within 14 days before you apply. The card is handed out in person at one of these centers: Brooklyn Public Library, Queens (Jamaica), Union Square, Bronx (DOF center) or Staten Island. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/how-to-apply.page)
- A spouse's or domestic partner's proof of address Any status NYC residents Proof of address in your spouse's or domestic partner's name works together with a marriage certificate or a child's birth certificate and a written attestation that you live together. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/idnyc/downloads/pdf/idnyc_applicant_document_guide-Rev072025.pdf)
- When no address is printed on the card Any status NYC residents No address is printed if you are 10 to 13 and decline it; if you are a student in a dorm; if you survived domestic violence and fear for your safety; if you live in an HRA domestic violence program or take part in the State's Address Confidentiality Program; or if you have no address or are in a shelter with stays of 30 days or less. The card is then handed to you at the center where you applied. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/frequently-asked-questions/frequently-asked-questions.page)

## How to apply, step by step

1. Choose: an appointment or a walk-in Five centers take walk-ins on their own weekday; the rest need an appointment.
2. Book on the IDNYC portal New slots open on Fridays for the next week. Book only once; if you can't come, cancel and pick another time. The portal is available in Russian.
3. Prepare the application form The form is in more than 25 languages: print it in advance or fill it in at the center. The City's FAQ says new applications can't be submitted through the portal right now; if it doesn't work, fill in the paper form at the center.
4. Arrive on time You have a 15-minute grace period. Bring originals. Staff translate documents not in English for free the same day when they can, or set another time with an interpreter.
5. Go through enrollment You hand in the form and documents, get photographed, and get your originals back right away.
6. Wait for your card The card comes by mail in 10 to 14 business days. Check the status on the portal with your IDNYC or application number; if it doesn't arrive, report it through the portal.

- IDNYC appointments and information Any status NYC residents Free Book, ask questions or report a card that didn't arrive on the IDNYC portal. Mail-in applications are not accepted. [a069-idnyconlineportal.nyc.gov](https://a069-idnyconlineportal.nyc.gov/IOPWeb/)

## Where to go: IDNYC Enrollment Centers

All centers are open on weekdays and closed on November 3, 2026 (Election Day) and November 11, 2026 (Veterans Day).

- IDNYC Staten Island Any status NYC residents Free Walk-ins on Mondays, first come, first served. Cards without an address are handed out here. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/locations.page) 201 Bay Street, 2nd Floor, Staten Island, NY 10301 Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm, closed 1–2 pm
- IDNYC East New York Any status NYC residents Free Walk-ins on Tuesdays, first come, first served. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/locations.page) 2400 Fulton Street, 5th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11233 Mon–Fri 8:30 am–5 pm
- IDNYC Bronx Monterey Center Any status NYC residents Free Walk-ins on Wednesdays, first come, first served. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/locations.page) 1910 Monterey Avenue, 3rd Floor, Bronx, NY 10457 Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm
- IDNYC Union Square Any status NYC residents Free Walk-ins on Thursdays, first come, first served. Cards without an address are handed out here. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/locations.page) 109 East 16th Street, 1st Floor, New York, NY 10003 Mon–Fri 8:30 am–5 pm
- Queens Public Library at Central Any status NYC residents Free Walk-ins on Fridays, first come, first served. Cards without an address are handed out here. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/locations.page) 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, 1st Floor, Jamaica, NY 11432 Mon–Fri 10 am–6 pm
- Brooklyn Public Library Central Any status NYC residents Free By appointment only. Cards without an address are handed out here. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/locations.page) 10 Grand Army Plaza (entrance on Flatbush Avenue), Brooklyn, NY 11238 Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm, closed 1–2 pm
- Coney Island Benefit Access Center Any status NYC residents Free By appointment only. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/locations.page) 1912 Mermaid Avenue, 1st Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11224 Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm, closed 1–2 pm
- Bronx Business Center - DOF Any status NYC residents Free By appointment only. A Department of Finance (DOF) center. Cards without an address are handed out here. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/locations.page) 3030 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor, Bronx, NY 10455 Mon–Fri 8:30 am–4:30 pm
- Manhattan Business Center - DOF Any status NYC residents Free By appointment only. A Department of Finance (DOF) center. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/locations.page) 66 John Street, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10038 Mon–Fri 8:30 am–4:30 pm, closed 1–2 pm
- East Harlem Health Center Any status NYC residents Free By appointment only. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/locations.page) 158 East 115th Street, Room 108, New York, NY 10029 Mon–Fri 9 am–5 pm, closed 1–2 pm
- Queens Business Center - DOF Any status NYC residents Free By appointment only. A Department of Finance (DOF) center. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/locations.page) 144-06 94th Avenue, 1st Floor, Jamaica, NY 11435 Mon–Fri 8:30 am–4:30 pm, closed 1–2 pm

## If something goes wrong

- You lack documents, or they are not in English Any status NYC residents Free Center staff check which of your documents work. Bilingual staff review documents not in English and translate them for free the same day when they can; you can also book another time with an interpreter. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/frequently-asked-questions/frequently-asked-questions.page)
- Someone offers to sell you a card Any status NYC residents IDNYC is free and never sold: it is issued only at Enrollment Centers. Report sales or fake cards to [311](tel:311). Say "Russian" and a free interpreter joins. [311](tel:311) [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/frequently-asked-questions/frequently-asked-questions.page)
- You lost your card or it was stolen Any status NYC residents Low cost A replacement costs $10. If you can't pay, fill in a Hardship Waiver at a center. The FAQ says replacements are booked at a DOF center; online replacement is not available now ([access.nyc.gov](https://access.nyc.gov)). [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/frequently-asked-questions/frequently-asked-questions.page)
- Your card is about to expire Any status NYC residents Renew online or at a center, from 60 days before expiry to 6 months after. Online you can change address and gender; name and date of birth only at a center. Renewing at a center needs the same documents as the first time. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/renew-your-idnyc-card.page)
- You want to change the gender marker Any status NYC residents Free You can choose F, M, X or Not Designated (the field is left blank). No proof is required, and you can change or remove the marker free of charge. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/frequently-asked-questions/frequently-asked-questions.page)
- You want to change the name on the card Any status NYC residents The card shows the name on the documents you used to prove identity. A chosen name is printed only with a court order for a name change. If your documents spell the name differently, you need a name change document: a marriage certificate, court order or other government document. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/frequently-asked-questions/frequently-asked-questions.page)

## Glossary: definitions of special terms and abbreviations

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This is general information, not legal advice: QARAVAN has no lawyers. QARAVAN does not help anyone enter the US and cannot arrange visas, invitations, sponsorship or evacuation. For your own case, talk to a licensed immigration attorney or a representative accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice.

[All pages: IDs and documents](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/documents/)

**Sources, checked November 2026**

- [nyc.gov/site/idnyc/frequently-asked-questions/frequently-asked…](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/frequently-asked-questions/frequently-asked-questions.page)
- [access.nyc.gov/programs/idnyc](https://access.nyc.gov/programs/idnyc/)
- [nyc.gov/assets/idnyc/downloads/pdf/idnyc_applicant_document_gu…](https://www.nyc.gov/assets/idnyc/downloads/pdf/idnyc_applicant_document_guide-Rev072025.pdf)
- [a069-idnyconlineportal.nyc.gov/IOPWeb](https://a069-idnyconlineportal.nyc.gov/IOPWeb/)
- [nyc.gov/site/idnyc/benefits/benefits.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/benefits/benefits.page)
- [nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/how-to-apply.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/how-to-apply.page)
- [nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/locations.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/locations.page)
- [nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/renew-your-idnyc-card.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/renew-your-idnyc-card.page)
- [nyc.gov/site/idnyc/about/privacy-and-confidentiality.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/about/privacy-and-confidentiality.page)