How to Get IDNYC
New York City's free municipal ID card unlocks 90+ benefits. Here's exactly what you need to get one.
Skip the appointment
You can now get an IDNYC card without an appointment at certain locations. Walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.
| Location | Walk-in day |
|---|---|
| Staten Island — 201 Bay Street, 2nd Floor | Mondays |
| East New York — 2400 Fulton Street, 5th Floor | Tuesdays |
| Bronx Monterey | Wednesdays |
| Manhattan Union Square | Thursdays |
| Queens Public Library at Central (89-11 Merrick Boulevard) | Fridays |
All other locations still require an appointment.
If you need an appointment
New appointments are available every Friday for the following week (Monday to Friday). Appointments are released each week on Friday, for the following Monday through Friday.
Book online at the IDNYC online portal or call 311.
What documents you need
The IDNYC program uses a point system to determine if applicants are able to prove identity and residency in New York City. You will need three (3) points worth of documents to prove your identity and a one (1) point document to prove your residency.
All applicants applying on their own must provide photo identification and a document with their date of birth.
Documents that satisfy both identity and residency
Some single documents satisfy identity and residency requirements outright:
- U.S. Passport
- Foreign Passport
- U.S. Visa / Permits
- U.S. Government ID
- U.S. Driver's License
- Foreign Driver's License
- Foreign ID Documents
- U.S. Professional / Education ID
Per-document point values are not listed here. Use the official IDNYC Document Calculator to check which documents you have and how many points they're worth.
Special situations
The IDNYC program has separate application flows for:
Applicants ages 10–13
A separate caretaker flow applies.
Applicants ages 14–21
Separate process if you do not have photo ID or proof of residency.
Applicants with a disability
Separate process if you do not have photo ID or proof of residency.
U.S. Veteran designation
Can be printed on the front of the card.
Residency in a spouse's or partner's name
Proof of marriage or domestic partnership is needed if your residency document is not in your name.
No stable address / survivors of domestic violence
Separate residency document categories are available.
See the Document Calculator for the specific requirements for each path.
Start online before you go
The IDNYC online portal lets you do most of the process from home. Available in 9 languages:
English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Haitian Creole, Korean, Bengali, Polish, Arabic
- Submit the application form before your visit
- Pre-select which documents you will bring
- Schedule or reschedule an appointment
- Check your application status
- Message IDNYC if your card never arrived
Your privacy
“No address, P.O. Box, or 'Care Of' Organization will appear on the card.”
Details confirmed against nyc.gov on July 26, 2026.