How Do I Get a Card? | Who Can Get A Card? | What Do I Need?

What If I Lose My Card? | Does My Card Expire? | What If I Need to Update My Info?

How Can A Library Card Help With School? | Questions?





DC Public Library has got you covered, all library card expiration dates have been extended through Feb. 1, 2021. All you have to do is enjoy the Library.

How do I get a card?

To get a library card, you can:



Who can get a card?

Note: If you apply online, you will receive a temporary library card that can access most digital library resources., online library card applicants have 90 daysto visit a library location with a current picture ID and proof of current address to transition to a permanent library card, which grants full access to all resources. All current temporary cards are available for use through Sept. 30, 2020.

Anyone who resides, works, pays property taxes or attends school in the District of Columbia can get a card. Library cards expire after three years. Library cards can only be renewed in person at any DC Public Library branch. We ask you to renew in person to make sure that we have all of your current contact information.



If you are a resident of one of the following counties or cities you can get a DC Public Library Card for free:

Maryland

Montgomery

Prince George's

Virginia

Fairfax

Loudoun

Arlington

Prince William

Falls Church

Alexandria

Frederick

If you live elsewhere, you can apply and pay for a nonresident card.



Please note: The DC Public Library is not permitted to issue electronic download only cards to those outside of our service area (D.C., Maryland and Virginia). If you live outside these areas, you may apply for a regular library card by visiting any library location in person. The cost is $20 and the card is good for one year.

What do I need to get a card?

Adults must present two current forms of traceable identification, one to prove identity and one to prove place of residence. Examples include:

driver's license

rent receipt

utility bill

bank book

apartment lease

letter on letterhead from a shelter



What if I lose my card?



Does my card expire?



What if I need to update my info?

How Can a Library Card Help with School?

We also ask for your e-mail address, which is used to provide you with library information ONLY, including notice of items on hold or due, and information about library services and activities.Please report the loss at once to any branch library, by phone or in person. You are responsible for materials taken out with the card until the card is reported lost or stolen. The library charges a small fee for a new card.Online registrations expire after ninety (90) days; otherwise cards expire after three (3) years. If your card has expired, please visit any library location to renew. Library cards can only be renewed in person at any DC Public Library branch. We ask you to renew in person to make sure that we have all of your current contact information.If you need to update your account information, please visit any library location and staff will help you. If changing your address, make sure to bring identification with you that proves identity and place of residence ( see examples of accepted identification ). If you have forgotten your PIN, please visit this page to reset it.A DC Public Library card can access everything you need to have a great school year. Take self-paced online classes and search databases to help with school projects and more. Read more