Yesterday, the City Council voted on legislation to establish a New York City Identity Card program that will “increase and facilitate access to public and city services”, according to the office of City Council communications, enabling documentation for undocumented immigrants, seniors, and displaced youth who face barriers to obtaining valid and widely-accepted means of identification because they cannot produce the required documentation of residency and identity.
The New York City Identity Card program will reduce this obstacle by accepting broader array of documents that applicants may use to establish residency and identity.The card will include, at a minimum, the cardholder’s photo, name, date of birth, address, and an expiration date. Applicants will be able to elect to include his or her self-designated gender.
“Every New Yorker deserves an official identification that allows them to prove who they are and access core services,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I thank Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Councilmembers Daniel Dromm and Carlos Menchaca, and the entire City Council for quickly enacting this critical legislation, and all of the advocates who have worked so hard to make community voices heard. The municipal ID is more than just a card – it provides New Yorkers who are currently living in the shadows with dignity and peace of mind. My administration is fully ready to develop this plan and to swiftly implement a secure and accessible Municipal ID Card program.”
“Every New Yorker deserves equal access to the services and benefits our city uniquely has to offer, yet too many individuals are forced to forgo these opportunities for lack of valid identification,” said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “This legislation will level the playing field and expand access to greater opportunities to anyone who calls New York City home, including those who have been historically excluded from obtaining state identification or an ID that represents their self-assigned gender.”
Partial or full waivers for those who cannot afford the fee will be made available.
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