IDNYC remains free to all new Yorkers

Less than one year after launch, IDNYC boasts over 670,000 enrollees, is largest municipal ID program in the country

NEW YORK—Mayor Bill de Blasio and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito today announced that the IDNYC program, the largest municipal ID program in the country, will continue to be free for eligible New Yorkers in 2016. In addition to welcoming back all of the 2015 benefit partners, IDNYC now provides New Yorkers with free one-year memberships to seven more cultural institutions – including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, the New Museum, the Metropolitan Opera, the Museum of Chinese in America, BRIC Arts | Media and Pregones Theater – and discounted tickets and memberships for Citi Bike, the New York City Football Club, the New York Theatre Ballet and Ballet School, Animal Care Centers of New York, the Alliance of Resident Theatres, and Roundabout Theatre Company.

The Mayor announced the second year of the IDNYC program – which now boasts 670,000 cardholders and over 160,000 cultural memberships redeemed – with the launch of a digital media campaign.

Returning benefits include free one-year memberships to the City’s Cultural Institutions Group and expanded discounts and benefits. A list of all partners and benefits of IDNYC is available at nyc.gov/idnyc.

“In just one year, the IDNYC program has grown to be the leading municipal identification program in the country, and an example to cities all across the world. I am proud to announce that even more New Yorkers will be able to join the ranks of IDNYC cardholders in 2016 absolutely free, so that every city resident has the confidence to interact with law enforcement, enter a government building, or pick up their kids from school. IDNYC also makes New York City’s premiere cultural institutions accessible at no cost, welcoming new and diverse audiences from across our great city. IDNYC is a card for all of us to proudly identify ourselves – as New Yorkers,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

"With the tremendous success of the nation's largest municipal ID card program, I'm thrilled that we can offer residents another free year of IDNYC," said Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “No matter your status, whether it's immigrant, economic, financial, or if you're homeless or transgender, New Yorkers will be able to take advantage of benefits by signing up for this valuable card. With this extension, even more people can become card-carrying New Yorkers."

“In the first year of IDNYC, we heard countless stories of New Yorkers empowered through the program, including teenagers who did not previously have access to ID, immigrant mothers who can now enter school buildings and participate in their child’s school with confidence, and transgender individuals who can self-designate their gender for the first-time,” said Nisha Agarwal, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. “We are thrilled to expand on IDNYC’s success in year two with expanded benefits and enrollment centers across the five boroughs, with same or next day appointments available. All New Yorkers have an opportunity to get their IDNYC and show their New York City pride.”

"We are proud to have contributed to the success of IDNYC and we are committed to maintaining the highest level of customer service and program integrity while continuing to expand benefits and use of the IDNYC card for all New Yorkers," said Steve Banks, Commissioner of the Human Resources Administration.

“The overwhelming response to the IDNYC card proves the great enthusiasm New Yorkers share to get further access to services and cultural benefits. As the card remains free of charge, hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers can continue exploring new opportunities in our city,” said Mindy Tarlow, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Operations.

“NYC Parks is proud to partner with IDNYC to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to identification. NYC Parks encourages New Yorkers of all ages to engage in physical activity through our free and low-cost programming across the city. Through this partnership, adult IDNYC cardholders have the opportunity to access NYC Parks recreation centers and tennis permits at discounted rates which helps promote healthy lifestyles in the city,” said Parks Commissioner Mitchell J Silver, FAICP.

"The first year of IDNYC has demonstrated the broad appeal behind one powerful idea: that all residents should have equal access to the full range of benefits that come with being a New Yorker," said Acting Cultural Affairs Commissioner Edwin Torres. "New York is one of the world's great cultural capitals and, thanks to our partner institutions in all five boroughs, IDNYC card holders have had unprecedented levels of access to our city's extraordinary cultural assets. We are thrilled to welcome even more partner organizations into the program in 2016, providing residents with new opportunities to engage with the dynamic cultural institutions that call New York City home."

"A partnership between IDNYC and Citi Bike is another great step in continuing to expand membership and participation in bike share for New Yorkers," said Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. "I encourage cardholders to take advantage of this offer and enjoy the benefits Citi Bike brings."

"I am thrilled that IDNYC benefits will be expanded to include even more free memberships and reduced-price tickets to NYC museums, theaters, sporting events and other world-class institutions that make our city one of the greatest places on earth," said Council Member Daniel Dromm. "IDNYC is available to all New Yorkers regardless of gender identity, immigration status or homelessness and is a great way to show NYC pride. I thank the leaders of these organizations for partnering with the city in order to make IDNYC a success, and urge everyone to apply for their identification card today in order to take advantage of these wonderful offers."

“I am energized to learn that the City will continue to offer IDNYC free of charge, continuing to make it a truly accessible government resource for New Yorkers who are eager to connect to their communities and to local government. For the last year, IDNYC has been part of the fabric of our city, and this latest announcement is a commitment to continue to foster that in the long-term. Thousands of New Yorkers have already taken advantage of the program opportunities offered by IDNYC, with thousands more awaiting their cards – this is a true measure of the success of this national model. I am assured that in the next year, we will continue to build on these victories,” said Council Member Carlos Menchaca, Chair of the Committee on Immigration.

"IDNYC has been an enormous success for our City," said Council Majority Leader and Chair of the Cultural Affairs and Libraries Committee Jimmy Van Bramer. "Today's announcement will significantly increase the partner organizations and make it even more attractive to get an IDNYC! I am enormously pleased that our Cultural Institutions Group members and other cultural partners have helped make this program a fantastic success. Congratulations to Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Mark-Viverito and the entire City Council on a fantastic first year of IDNYC - Year two promises to be even better!"

"In its first year, IDNYC has opened doors of opportunity to over half a million New Yorkers. I commend all of the partner institutions who are working with IDNYC and making it even easier for New Yorkers to fully enjoy all that our City has to offer. Getting an IDNYC is free and easy, and I encourage all New Yorkers to make an appointment today," said Public Advocate Tish James.

"IDNYC has been an important addition to civic life in New York City, opening doors and opportunities for thousands of residents that previously have not had access to all that the five boroughs have to offer. I am a proud IDNYC card holder, having applied on the first day of enrollment, and I encourage every Brooklynite that has yet to take advantage of this program to do so in the year ahead," said Brooklyn Borough Eric Adams.

"New Yorkers can be proud that we have largest municipal ID program in the country," said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. "I encourage all city residents to take advantage of IDNYC's benefits, and thank the many New York institutions lending their support to this program."

Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito launched the IDNYC program in 2014 to make government work more efficiently and effectively for New Yorkers by expanding access to the services, programs, and opportunities available to all residents across the five boroughs. IDNYC serves as valid identification when interacting with the NYPD, grants access to all City buildings, functions as a library card across all three library systems and serves as primary identification for opening a bank or credit union account at more than 75 financial institution branches in NYC. In July, the Administration launched a veteran designation on the card to facilitate access to veteran-specific services and benefits for New Yorkers who served in our country’s military.

All city residents age 14 and above are eligible to get a municipal ID card, and enrollment is free for anyone who applies in 2016. All IDNYC applicants must have documentation that proves identity and residency in New York City. The City will protect the confidentiality of all IDNYC card applications and will not ask applicants about their immigration status. For more information on eligibility criteria, benefits, enrollment centers across the five boroughs and more, applicants can visit nyc.gov/idnyc or call 311.

“Almost one year after it was launched, there is no doubt about the success of our City’s municipal identification program. The hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who have enrolled in IDNYC are living proof of the enormous need for identification for all people, regardless of their immigration status. This program has given residents the increased ability to participate in our economy and widened access to our cultural institutions. I thank Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Mark-Viverito for their enhanced commitment to this important program, and look forward to an even more successful Year Two for IDNYC,” said Council Member Margaret Chin.

"IDNYC plays a vital role in our efforts to create a more equitable city. Over the past year, this card has forged pathways to financial stability and access to City services for over half a million New Yorkers while simultaneously opening the doors of world renowned cultural institutions to all card holders. I sincerely thank Mayor Bill de Blasio and Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito for their leadership and vision, and I am thrilled that the card will remain free for another year. IDNYC provides accessible IDs to all New Yorkers and I strongly encourage those who don't yet have one to take advantage of this wonderful program," said Council Member Vanessa Gibson.

"IDNYC has become a model for cities across the nation. With hundreds of thousands now enrolled in the program, it embodies the spirit of inclusiveness that makes New York City special and also helps make our neighborhoods safer for all. I'm pleased the essential services that come with a municipal ID card will continue to carry no cost to eligible New Yorkers," said Council Member Mark Levine.



"IDNYC has proven to be a wildly successful way to incorporate vulnerable communities into mainstream City services and cultural organizations," said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez. "Undocumented immigrants can and should feel a part of our city's community. The second-year initiatives added to this program will solidify its place as a city institution, available to all New Yorkers. I applaud Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Mark-Viverito for their initiative in bringing this excellent program to New York."

"I carry my IDNYC card everywhere I go, and I'm always encouraging my constituents to sign up for their own IDNYC. Today's announcement makes the municipal ID even more valuable, offering cardholders discounted access to so many of the cultural institutions that help make our city the greatest in the world. I thank Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Mark-Viverito for making this program such a success, and I look forward to another year of promoting IDNYC across my district," said Council Member Debi Rose.

"IDNYC recognizes New Yorkers who lack a government ID, and that has meant the world to some of my constituents, who can now enter their child's school and open a bank account. With today's announcement of even more cultural institutions involved in the program, it's clear that New York City is a leader in providing access to world class cultural offerings to all of its residents," said Council Member Helen Rosenthal.

"Entering its second year, IDNYC has been a tremendous success for both the City of New York and its residents. The benefits the IDNYC card provides are tremendous, and the addition of more cultural institutions and discounts will only make them better. I encourage everyone 14 and older who is eligible for a municipal ID card to apply for a free IDNYC card as soon as possible," said Congressman Eliot Engel.

“In its first year, IDNYC has already proven to be a great success with hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers taking advantage of everything it has to offer,” said Congressman Joe Crowley. “Not only has this municipal ID program provided New Yorkers great cultural benefits, but it’s also provided improved access to services and ensured the integration of our most vulnerable communities. I thank the Mayor and the City Council for keeping it free and expanding its reach for the upcoming year.”

“Few doubted IDNYC would be a success in New York City and I commend Mayor de Blasio for seeing it through this year. As it enters its second year, I have no doubt the increase in participating institutions and expanded support of home-grown immigration reforms and services will continue to prove our Mayor made the right call,” said State Senator Martin Malavé Dilan.

State Senator Joe Peralta said, "I am a proud holder of an IDNYC card, an identification that unites New York under one banner. This program has allowed New Yorkers to come out of the shadows, especially hard working undocumented immigrants, and enjoy the benefits of being a New Yorker, such as opening a bank account or getting a library card. As one of 670,000 IDNYC cardholders, I want to thank Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito for their efforts in designing, launching and expanding IDNYC."

"It is exciting to see IDNYC go into its second year with even more benefits," said Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte. "IDNYC was by far one of the most inquired about City services at my office as my constituents enjoyed the valued added to their quality of life. I have no doubt that with the added benefits that will continue to be the case."

"IDNYC has proven to be a resounding success in its first year, and I am delighted to see the additional cultural partners who have joined in support. As IDNYC continues to grow, it is most exciting to see the new options provided for New Yorkers, including the opportunity to create bank accounts, where many had been previously denied access at financial institutions," said Assembly Member Robert Rodriguez.

"The YMCA has been a proud partner with the City and the administration on IDNYC since its inception," said Sharon Greenberger, President and CEO of New York City's YMCA. "The IDNYC initiative has given hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers access to opportunities they may never have experienced without it. We encourage the 600,000 cardholders and more to continue to utilize the IDNYC benefit for our Y Roads Centers, New Americans Welcome Centers and Adult and Family Membership discounts in the new year."

“IDNYC has been a terrific outlet for showcasing all that New York City has to offer in our own backyard,” said Ken Barrows, Vice President of Leisure Pass North America LLC, the parent company of New York Pass. “In IDNYC’s first year alone, New York Pass saw a nice surge in visitation among our local attractions and cultural institutions. We look forward to partnering with the de Blasio Administration and IDNYC once again to encourage IDNYC holders, both old and new, to discover all the city’s hidden treasures right here at home with New York Pass.”

“New York Theatre Ballet is honored to join the IDNYC program this year and to share the art form of dance with all New Yorkers through our children's series, repertory performances and ballet classes,” said Anna Kepe–Haas, Executive Director of the New York Theatre Ballet.

“As the national benefits provider for IDNYC cardholders with the veteran designation, Veterans Advantage is delighted to be part of the Mayor’s initiative,” said Scott Higgins, Founder and CEO of Veterans Advantage and Vietnam War veteran. “Veterans Advantage can significantly improve the lives of the city’s nearly quarter million veterans, and we’re excited to continue as a 2016 IDNYC benefit partner.”

“IDNYC enrollment at Queens Library has been a huge success on every front. Libraries are convenient, welcoming community gathering places. Nearly 80,000 people are now card-carrying New Yorkers through Queens Library enrollment centers, and thousands are using IDNYC as their library cards. It is a partnership that benefits everyone,” said Bridget Quinn-Carey, Interim President and CEO of the Queens Library.

“Thanks to IDNYC, 600,000 New Yorkers are now able to engage more fully in the life of the city,” said Brooklyn Public Library President and CEO Linda E. Johnson. “BPL is proud to have helped thousands of cardholders access the many benefits of participation in IDNYC, including the opportunity to use the card to check out materials at New York City’s three library systems.”

"The New York Public Library is excited to continue participating in the city's successful IDNYC program, an initiative that opens doors of opportunity to all New Yorkers and perfectly aligns with our mission," said NYPL President Tony Marx. "So far, over 140,000 New Yorkers have signed up at NYPL, and we hope to see that number grow."

"Citi Bike is proud to partner with IDNYC to open up access to more of the city to more New Yorkers," said Jules Flynn, General Manager of the Citi Bike program. "As bike share continues to expand, it's a great way for New Yorkers to connect to all of the great IDNYC services and partner programs."

"In this holiday season, A.R.T./New York is thrilled to give the greatest gift we have, the gift of access to affordable theatre. We are proud to partner with the City of New York to connect New Yorkers with our city's vibrant non-profit theatre community, including the over 350 local non-profit theatres that are A.R.T./New York members." said Ginny Louloudes, Executive Director of Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York (A.R.T./New York).

“Nothing says I am a proud New Yorker like carrying the IDNYC Card,” said Risa Weinstock, Executive Director of Animal Care Centers of NYC. “That’s why ACC is so excited to add our organization to the many cultural and civic organizations offering specific benefits to IDNYC cardholders. There are so many great reasons to adopt a furry New Yorker and we hope our participation in the IDNYC program makes adopting an animal in-need ‘easy as ACC.’”

“The members of the Cultural Institutions Group are thrilled with the tremendous enthusiasm the people of New York City have shown for IDNYC,” said Thelma Golden, Chair of the Cultural Institutions Group and Director and Chief Curator of The Studio Museum in Harlem. “IDNYC memberships have brought new audiences with valuable new perspectives to each of our institutions over the past year. We look forward to growing and further developing the program in 2016, as we work to make the art and culture of our city as accessible as it is exceptional.”

New York City Football Club President Tom Glick said, “New York City FC is excited to partner with IDNYC – to provide cardholders with discounts on our tickets and to help grow the program. As a soccer club, we are proud to represent New York City and to welcome a diverse fan base from across the five boroughs to our matches.”

“The Museum of Modern Art is excited to be a new partner in the IDNYC program, and we hope that the free year of membership will enable many New Yorkers to frequent the Museum, and enjoy our world-renowned collection, exhibitions, and programs," said Director of the Museum of Modern Art Glenn Lowry.

“As a cultural institution, we aspire to and value the same qualities that make New York City great – boldness, curiosity, and an appetite for new experiences,” said Richard Armstrong, Director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation. “We are delighted to be part of the IDNYC program and to invite new members to join us to explore art and ideas from around the world."

“The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) is honored to participate in the second year of IDNYC with the Cultural Institutions Group and to offer all New Yorkers unprecedented access to MOCA's exhibits and collections, which explore the history, heritage and culture of the city’s largest growing ethnic group – the Chinese Americans,” said Nancy Yao Maasbach, President of the Museum of Chinese in America.

"Through IDNYC, Pregones/PRTT gives a warm and bilingual welcome to New Yorkers who have yet to experience the magic of our Bronx and Manhattan theaters,” said Rosalba Rolón, Founder and Artistic Director of Pregones Theater. “This exceptional program is as much about good civics as it is about expanding meaningful participation in the arts."

The full list of IDNYC benefit partners include:

American Museum of Natural History

BRIC Arts | Media

Bronx County Historical Society

Bronx Museum of the Arts

Brooklyn Academy of Music

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Brooklyn Children’s Museum

Brooklyn Museum

Carnegie Hall

New York City Ballet

El Museo del Barrio

Flushing Town Hall

Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Metropolitan Opera

Museum of Chinese in America

Museum of Jewish Heritage

Museum of Modern Art

Museum of the City of New York

Museum of the Moving Image

New Museum

New York Botanical Garden

City Center

New York Hall of Science

MOMA P.S. 1

Pregones Theater

Public Theater

Queens Botanical Garden

Queens Museum

Queens Theatre in the Park

Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Staten Island Children’s Museum

Staten Island Historical Society

Staten Island Museum

Staten Island Zoo

Studio Museum in Harlem

Wave Hill

Wildlife Conservation Society at the Bronx Zoo

Alliance of Resident Theatres / New York

New York Football Club

New York Pass

New York Theatre Ballet

Roundabout Theatre Company

Big Apple RX

Food Bazaar

NYC Parks Department

YMCA

Citi Bike

Animal Care Centers of New York