# 311, IDNYC and how the City works Source: https://www.qaravan.org/resources/new-york/city-311/ Where to start in New York: the 311 information line, the free IDNYC card, City help for immigrants and the garbage rules. ## Start here - IDNYC is the free City ID card for all residents age 10 and up. Nobody asks about immigration status. - Ask [311](tel:311) almost anything about City services: in the app, on [311](tel:311) Online ([portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov)) or by texting 311-692, 24/7. - The City's Immigration Legal Support Hotline, [800-354-0365](tel:8003540365), tells you where to find free immigration legal help. Say "Russian": the line helps in your language. ## 311: app, website, text and phone [311](tel:311) answers questions about City services and takes complaints about almost anything, from heat to garbage. It works 24/7, every day of the year. 1. Pick the easiest way The [311](tel:311) app or [311](tel:311) Online ([portal.311.nyc.gov](https://portal.311.nyc.gov)) is simplest, and you can text a short question to 311-692. You can switch [311](tel:311) Online to Russian in the language menu at the top right. For a live interpreter, call [311](tel:311) and say “Russian”. Ways to reach [311](tel:311) | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ## IDNYC: the free New York City ID card New York City's municipal ID card, free for all residents age 10 and up. Nobody asks about immigration status. It is not the same as a New York State ID, which the DMV (the state driver and ID office) issues. 1. Check that you qualify The card is for city residents age 10 and up. It is valid for five years from approval if you are 16 or older, two years if younger. 2. Gather documents worth 4 points You need 3 points proving who you are and 1 point proving you live in New York City. At least one document must have your photo and at least one your date of birth. Only originals are accepted; expired documents count only where the list makes an exception. Children ages 10 to 13 must come with a caretaker. [The Document Calculator on the IDNYC site](https://access.nyc.gov/programs/idnyc/) shows which of your documents count. If you have no address, use a letter from a shelter that lets residents stay more than 30 days (dated within 60 days, confirming a 15-day stay) or from a City agency, nonprofit or religious organization (dated within 30 days). 3. Start the application online and book a time On the IDNYC portal (available in Russian) you can fill out the application ahead of time, select the documents you will bring, book or change an appointment and check your status. New appointments open every Friday for the following Monday to Friday. One appointment per person. 4. Or walk in Five locations take walk-ins, first come, first served, each on its own day of the week. Everywhere else you need an appointment. 5. Apply at the visit and wait for the card You will be photographed and your originals returned on the spot. The card is mailed to you in 10 to 14 business days; IDNYC does not take applications by mail. If you have no address or don't want it on the card, pick the card up at Brooklyn Public Library, Queens Jamaica Public Library, IDNYC Union Square (Manhattan), the Bronx Department of Finance or IDNYC Staten Island. How many points a document is worth for IDNYC | | | | --- | --- | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ## Where to get IDNYC without an appointment - IDNYC Staten Island (Mondays) Free Walk-ins on Mondays, first come, first served. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/how-to-apply.page) 201 Bay Street, 2nd Floor, Staten Island Mon - IDNYC East New York (Tuesdays) Free Walk-ins on Tuesdays, first come, first served. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/how-to-apply.page) 2400 Fulton Street, 5th Floor, Brooklyn Tue - IDNYC Bronx Monterey (Wednesdays) Free Walk-ins on Wednesdays, first come, first served. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/how-to-apply.page) 1910 Monterey Avenue, 3rd Floor, Bronx Wed - IDNYC Manhattan Union Square (Thursdays) Free Walk-ins on Thursdays, first come, first served. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/how-to-apply.page) 109 East 16th Street, 1st Floor, Manhattan Thu - IDNYC at Queens Public Library at Central (Fridays) Free Walk-ins on Fridays, first come, first served. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/how-to-apply.page) 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Queens Fri ## What IDNYC gets you - ID across the city Free City agencies and offices accept the card. You can show it as ID to the police (NYPD), for a job, for health benefits and to get your own and your child's immunization records. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/about/about.page) - Discounts and free memberships Free Free or reduced membership at museums, zoos and botanical gardens, plus discounts on prescriptions, fitness, groceries and New York City attractions. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/about/about.page) - Languages and accessibility Free Applications come in 35 languages, and staff help in your language in person or through a phone interpreter. You can list up to two preferred languages on the card. All permanent enrollment centers are wheelchair accessible; a sign language interpreter can be requested in advance. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/about/about.page) ## Immigration questions: what the City offers For advice on your own case, go only to a licensed attorney or an accredited representative: a staff member of a recognized nonprofit whom the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has authorized to give immigration legal advice. - Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA): NYC Immigrant Affairs Hotline Free The Mayor's office for immigrants answers questions about getting City services, whatever your immigration status. You can email your question to AskMOIA@cityhall.nyc.gov. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/contact/contact-us.page) - MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline Free A free, safe, City-funded line that answers questions about immigration policy and tells you where to find free immigration legal help. Say "Russian": the line helps in your language. [800-354-0365](tel:8003540365) [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/contact/contact-us.page) Mon, Wed 9 am–8 pm; Tue, Thu, Fri 9 am–6 pm; last Saturday of the month 9 am–5 pm - Know Your Rights and the Immigrant Resource Road Map Free At [nyc.gov/knowyourrights](https://nyc.gov/knowyourrights) the City explains your rights if you meet federal immigration enforcement, and says that New York City does not conduct immigration enforcement. The Immigrant Resource Road Map, a short guide to City services, can be downloaded in 50 languages. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/city-services/city-services-summary.page) ## Other City help lines - NYC Health + Hospitals The City's public hospitals and clinics: emergency and basic care, check-ups, immunizations. Find the nearest hospital or clinic at [nychealthandhospitals.org/locations](https://nychealthandhospitals.org/locations). On the phone, say "Russian" and a free interpreter joins. [1-844-692-4692](tel:18446924692) [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/city-services/city-services-summary.page) - Mental health support: 988 Free A free, confidential line for crisis counseling, mental health and substance-use support, and referrals. Call, text or chat 24/7; phone counselors help in more than 200 languages; no insurance needed. The City's line: [888-692-9355](tel:8886929355), or text WELL to 65173. [988](tel:988) [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/988.page) - Housing and your landlord: the tenant helpline Free Tenant rights are explained at [nyc.gov/tenantprotection](https://nyc.gov/tenantprotection). For free legal help with an eviction or a landlord problem, call [311](tel:311), say “Russian”, and when the interpreter joins, ask for the tenant helpline. [311](tel:311) [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/city-services/city-services-summary.page) - The right to shelter Free If you have nowhere to live, you have the right to ask for shelter. Go to an intake center of DHS, the City shelter agency. [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/city-services/city-services-summary.page) - Workers' rights Free Under City and State law you have a right to paid sick leave, minimum wage and overtime pay. Details at [nyc.gov/workers](https://nyc.gov/workers). To ask by phone, call [311](tel:311) and say "Russian". [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/city-services/city-services-summary.page) - Discrimination and harassment Free Harassment and discrimination are illegal under the NYC Human Rights Law. Report an incident online through the form of the City Commission on Human Rights: [nyc.gov/site/cchr/about/report-discrimination.page](https://nyc.gov/site/cchr/about/report-discrimination.page). [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/cchr/about/report-discrimination.page) - Domestic violence Free If you are experiencing abuse at home or from a partner, go to a City Family Justice Center (addresses at [nyc.gov/ocdv](https://nyc.gov/ocdv)): they interpret on site and help whatever your status. The 24/7 hotline, [800-621-4673](tel:8006214673), is in English; TTY for deaf and hard-of-hearing people: [866-604-5350](tel:8666045350). If you are in danger right now, call [911](tel:911). [800-621-4673](tel:8006214673) [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/city-services/city-services-summary.page) - School for children ages 4 to 21 Free All New York City children ages 4 to 21 have the right to attend public school. Enroll through [schools.nyc.gov/fwc](https://schools.nyc.gov/fwc). [nyc.gov](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/city-services/city-services-summary.page) ## Garbage and recycling: how to avoid a fine Garbage is collected by DSNY, a City agency. Weekly collection is free, but the rules are strict and breaking them brings fines. 1. Sort your waste Recycling is required of everyone. Food and yard waste goes separately, in a labeled bin with a secure lid, 55 gallons or smaller. 2. Use the right containers Trash goes out in bins of 55 gallons or less with secure lids. Buildings with 1 to 9 apartments must use official NYC Bins only. Buildings with 10 or more apartments may use bins or put bags directly on the curb. Recycling goes out in bins or clear plastic bags. 3. Set it out on time 1 to 9 apartments: trash in an official NYC Bin after 6:00 PM. 10 or more apartments: bins after 6:00 PM, bags on the curb after 8:00 PM. Recycling: in a bin after 6:00 PM, in a bag after 8:00 PM. Everything must be out by midnight. Put large items out the night before. 4. If your waste was not collected Report a missed pickup on [311](tel:311) Online, in the [311](tel:311) app or by texting 311-692, starting at 8:00 AM the day after your collection day. If collection was suspended for snow, a complaint for that day is not accepted. ## Glossary: definitions of special terms and abbreviations - ****: - ****: - ****: - ****: - ****: - ****: - ****: - ****: 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: Life in New York](https://www.qaravan.org/resources/new-york/) **Sources, checked November 2026** - [nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/how-to-apply.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/card/how-to-apply.page) - [nyc.gov/site/idnyc/about/about.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/about/about.page) - [nyc.gov/site/immigrants/city-services/city-services-summary.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/city-services/city-services-summary.page) - [nyc.gov/site/immigrants/contact/contact-us.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/immigrants/contact/contact-us.page) - [nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/988.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/988.page) - [nyc.gov/site/cchr/about/report-discrimination.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/cchr/about/report-discrimination.page) - [nychealthandhospitals.org/locations](https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/locations/)