How to Apply for an IDNYC Card to Receive Benefits in NYC One-pager

How to Apply for an IDNYC Card to Receive Benefits in NYC

What is IDNYC?

IDNYC is a free local ID for all New Yorkers that provides:
- government photo identification,
- access to New York Public Libraries,
- discounts for health and wellness centers, and
- free memberships to many places throughout New York City.
Because this card can be used as government photo identification, you can use your IDNYC card to enter all NYC buildings, to access NYC services, to apply for jobs with a proof of work authorization, to present to law enforcement, and to open a bank account at select financial institutions.

Where can I receive free memberships with my IDNYC card?

You can receive free one-year memberships or discounted tickets at the following places in 2024:
- American Museum of Natural History
- BRIC
- Bronx County Historical Society
- BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music)
- Brooklyn Children's Museum
- Carnegie Hall
- Central Park Zoo (enrollment is only available at the Bronx Zoo)
- China Institute
- The Drawing Center
- Film Forum
- Flushing Town Hall
- The Juilliard School
- King Manor
- Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- MoMA PS1
- Metropolitan Opera
- El Museo del Barrio
- Museum at Eldridge Street
- Museum of Jewish Heritage
- Museum of Modern Art
- Museum of the City of New York
- National Sawdust
- New York Aquarium (enrollment is only available at the Bronx Zoo)
- New York City Ballet
- New York City Center
- Pregones/Puerto Rican Traveling Theater
- Prospect Park Zoo (enrollment is only available at the Bronx Zoo)
- Public Theater
- Queens Museum
- Queens Zoo (enrollment is only available at the Bronx Zoo)
- The Shed
- Staten Island Children's Museum
- Staten Island Museum
- Studio Museum in Harlem
- Wildlife Conservation Society at the Bronx Zoo
Please see the following website for more details: https://www.nyc.gov/site/idnyc/benefits/museums-and-cultural-institutions.page

Who can sign up for an IDNYC card?

New York City residents who are 10 years or older, regardless of immigration status or involvement with the criminal justice system

Where do I sign up for an IDNYC card?

You can sign up at several locations called “Enrollment Centers” throughout every borough of the city
You must make an appointment BEFORE you go to an enrollment center. You can make an appointment through the IDNYC website or by calling 311.
Applications will be available in 35 languages.
All permanent IDNYC Enrollment Centers are accessible to people with disabilities.

What are the hours for IDNYC Enrollment Center appointments?

In general, appointments are available during the following times:
- Monday – Thursday: 9AM – 5PM
- Friday: 10AM – 6PM
- Saturday & Sunday: Closed

How long will the appointment take to sign up for an IDNYC card?

When signing up for an IDNYC card, what documents will I need?

You must prove your identity and residency in NYC.
To prove your identity, you may provide documents, such as:
- U.S. or foreign passports,
- U.S. or foreign driver licenses,
- U.S. or foreign birth certificates,
- green cards,
- consular identification cards,
- individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) authorization letters,
- electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, and/or
- school identification cards.
To prove your residency in NYC, you may provide documents, such as:
- a New York State driver license with a current address,
- a utility bill,
- a current lease,
- a recent bank account statement, and/or
- a letter from a homeless shelter or City agency.
Applicants must provide three (3) points for proof of identity and one (1) point for proof of residency.
All of your original documents will be returned to you and will not be kept.

After I signed up for an IDNYC card, how do I receive the card?

You can receive your card by mail to your home. You can also receive your card by picking up your card from a specific location. You may choose either option.
You can check the application status of your IDNYC card through the IDNYC Online Portal.

I received my IDNYC card. Do I have to renew it?

Yes, you must renew your IDNYC card by the renewal date that is printed on the front of your card to continue using the benefits from the card.
You may renew your card up to 90 days before and up to 1 year after the expiration date that is listed on your card.
- If your card expired more than 1 year ago, you must apply for a new IDNYC card.

How do I renew my IDNYC?

You can renew your card online or in person at an Enrollment Center.
- To renew your card online, please visit the IDNYC Online Portal.
- To renew your card in person, please visit an Enrollment Center. You can make an appointment to renew in person through the IDNYC website or by calling 311.

What can my IDNYC card not be used for?

Your IDNYC card cannot be used to:
- permit you to drive or as proof of identity to obtain a driver license,
- permit you to purchase alcohol or tobacco, receive public assistance benefits or travel on an airplane,
- provide immigration status or work authorization, and
- enter all military bases (some bases do not accept the IDNYC card).
If you would like to use your IDNYC card at a non-NYC or private business or location that is not listed on the IDNYC Benefits website, please contact the business or location to ask if they accept IDNYC cards as identification.

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