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Read the press release here.

How to Get the New York City Municipal ID

By Trevor Kapp | January 12, 2015 4:26pm
 The city rolled out its new municipal ID card program Monday.
City Launches New Municipal ID Card Program
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QUEENS — The city rolled out its long-anticipated municipal ID cards Monday, a move expected to provide proof of identity and basic city services to thousands of New Yorkers who had to live in the shadows.

The cards will be available through 17 enrollment centers around the five boroughs and will be accepted as valid primary identification across the city, Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

“This is an historic day because for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers, this will be the first time they can get any kind of ID,” de Blasio said. “It stands for everyone being respected, everyone being included, everyone having opportunity. This card epitomizes the values of this city.”

Because of overwhelming demand, the city rolled out a mandatory appointment-based system to sign up for the cards.

Appointments can be made through the website, via 311 or by walking into centers. However, walk-ins have been met with long lines.

The online registration system has also experienced glitches, going down on Wednesday and running slowly at other times.

Who’s Eligible?

-All city residents aged 14 and older are eligible to get a free municipal ID card.

What are the requirements?

-Documentation showing identity and residency. Applicants have to have a total of 4 points, three that prove identity and one that shows residency. A full list of acceptable documents can be found by clicking here.

-At least one of the documents must have a photo of the applicant, unless the applicant is under 21 and accompanied by a caretaker who can prove the relationship.

-At least one of the submitted documents must contain the date of birth.

-No expired documents will be accepted.

Where can you get one?

-The city has set up 17 permanent enrollment centers throughout the five boroughs. An appointment must be made online, via 311 or by walking in. Appointments are mandatory.

To see a complete list, click here.

Where can the card be used?

-The card enables residents to access city services and grants admission to city buildings, like schools and hospitals.

-The card can be presented as proof of identification with police and is also an accepted form of ID for opening a bank account at select city banks.

-It can be used at any city public library.

-The card can only be used in New York City.

What else does the card do?

-The municipal ID card will offer discounts on movie tickets, Broadway shows, sporting events and theme parks.

-A 10 percent discount off annual city Recreation Center memberships for Adults Ages 25-61 and NYC Parks Department tennis permits.

-A 20 percent discount on family memberships at all 22 YMCAs.

-A free 30-day trial and fitness evaluation with a certified trainer at all New York Sports Club locations.

-A 5 percent discount off all purchases at Food Bazaar supermarkets in New York City Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

-A 25 percent discount on New York Pass, a citywide pass to 83 tourist attractions in all five boroughs.

-Free one-year membership packages at 33 city cultural institutions, including museums, performing arts centers, concert halls, botanical gardens and zoos.

Who isn't eligible?

-Anyone under 14

-Anyone who cannot meet the proof of identity requirements