| Answer | For schedules and pop-up mobile sites, see What is the PHL City ID?
PHL CITY ID - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Q: Who can apply for a PHL City ID?
A: The PHL City ID is available for all Philadelphia residents, age 13 and up, who meet identity and residency requirements as outlined in the Philadelphia Municipal Identification Card Program Regulations.
An image of the PHL City ID card is provided below:
 
Q: How much does a PHL City ID cost?
A: We have established a fee of $5 for minors (under 18), $10 for adults ages 18 to 64 and free for those age 65 and older, or with a letter from a shelter stating that you are homeless.
Q: When does the PHL City ID expire?
A: Applicants under the age of 21 may apply when they are accompanied by an eligible caretaker who can demonstrate proof of a relationship to the applicant. An eligible caretaker is a birth parent, adoptive parent, legal guardian, legal custodian, foster parent or Pennsylvania or Philadelphia Department of Human Services official. Applicant and caretaker must both have ID.
Q: What about minors who don't have photo ID?
A: For cardholders under the age of 18, the card is valid for three years. For adults age 18 - 64, the card is valid for five years and has no expiration for those over 65 years of age.
Q: What types of benefits will cardholders have?
A: These cards will provide the holder with government-issued photo identification. The cards will also work as a library card. Currently, the Managing Director’s Office is exploring additional partnerships with local businesses, art institutions, and other cultural opportunities as well as working with Philadelphia banks to make sure the card’s requirements meet their standards. An up to date list of current benefit partners can be found on www.phila.gov/PHLcityID.
Application Process
All PHL City ID applications must be completed in person either at the Municipal Services Building (MSB), 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19102 (concourse), starting on January 14th, or at one of the program’s mobile sites.
The PHL City ID utilizes a four (4) point system for the application. Residents must provide three (3) points proof of identity and one (1) point proof of residence. The accepted list of documents includes nearly 80 identity documents of varying points values (3, 2, or 1) and 25 residence documents each valued at one (1) point. A full list of accepted documents can be found online at https://getphlcityid.com/ or www.phila.gov/programs/phl-city-id
Pre-screening
PHL City ID staff member will review all documents presented to prove identity and residence to ensure compliance with four (4) point system detailed in the program regulations. The identity documents must include an accepted photo document and an accepted date of birth document.
Authentication and Verification
PHL City ID staff utilizes electronic databases to ensure the validity and authenticity of the original documents being presented as proof of identity. Additionally, PHL City ID staff run address verification checks to confirm the address presented by the resident is actually associated with them.
Application Review and Processing
PHL City ID staff member reviews paper application and inputs the residents’ data into the PHL City ID software to begin generating the ID.
Payment
We have established a fee of $5 for minors (under 18), $10 for adults ages 18 to 64 and free for those age 65 and older. Payments are accepted in cash and money orders for the exact amount.
Photo and Signature
PHL City ID staff take a photo of the resident and resident signs signature pad.
Issuance of PHL City ID
After confirmation that all information is accurate, PHL City ID staff print the ID card and provide it to the resident. The full process is expected to take up to 30 minutes.
Q: Who will accept the PHL City ID?
A: All City of Philadelphia departments and City-funded programs will accept the PHL City ID as proof of identification, including law enforcement. We are also working with our partners in the financial industry to ensure that banks and credit unions will accept the ID. Currently, the City is in the process of identifying additional potential organizations and agencies that will accept the card and that information can be found on our website when it is available.
Q: Can people use these cards to vote?
A: The PHL City ID is not one of the accepted forms of ID to vote for the first time. The ID used must be state-issued. After you register to vote once, no form of ID is needed to vote.
Q: What types of programs or opportunities will having one of these cards afford to people?
A: Aside from acting as a library card and providing discounts to certain local businesses, art, and cultural institutions, these cards can be utilized for most programs that require a photo ID. People struggling with addiction can access Medical Assisted Treatment (MAT) with these cards. Some food pantries require a photo ID for access. Cardholders will also be able to use their card as identification during the job application process, at notaries, and to gain access to their child’s school or other municipal buildings.
Q: Can this card give you access to federal buildings?
A: No. This card will be accepted by any City-owned buildings; however, any federal buildings are subject to federal standards for ID.
Q: Can a cardholder drive with this PHL City ID?
A: No. This card does not authorize you to drive. It is an identification card.
Q: Can I use my PHL City ID to travel?
A: No. The PHL City ID does not authorize you to travel. It is intended for municipal use only.
Q: What happens for a candidate who does not speak English?
A: Currently, the PHL City ID team is fully bilingual (Spanish) and can serve ID applicants in English and Spanish. As per our Language Access Plan, we also have staff that speaks other languages and also access to interpretation services to ensure all Philadelphians can access the PHL City ID regardless of English language abilities.
Q: Why should I get a PHL City ID?
A: No one is required to obtain a PHL City ID – it is an optional, valid, government-issued ID and a library card. The card offers many benefits, discounts, and memberships through City partnerships with banks and credit unions, local businesses, healthcare providers, museums, entertainment venues, and cultural institutions to Philadelphia residents. We aim to further enhance the PHL City ID by providing additional benefits and expanding our partnerships. If you have ideas on what you would like to see as a part of the program, please contact the program director at amy.eusebio@phila.gov.
Q: When will I be able to get a PHL City ID?
A: The online appointment system is available to the general public to make appointments to apply for a City ID at the Municipal Services Building (MSB), 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19102 (concourse), starting on January 14th. There is also a calendar of pop-up mobile enrollment sites where the PHL City ID team will be out in the community reviewing and processing applications and issuing IDs. The Mobile Site dates and locations can be found on the program website.
Q: What documents do I need to apply for a PHL City ID?
A: To be eligible for the PHL City ID, applicants must show proof of identity and residency within the City of Philadelphia. A full list of acceptable documents is on the PHL City ID website.
Q: What happens if someone loses a card?
A: Due to the program’s privacy standard of retaining minimal applicant information, those who lose their IDs will need to reapply for a duplicate card. They will need to bring in their identity and address documents and pay the fee again.
Q: Where can the public get a PHL City ID?
A: The goal of the PHL City ID program is to make the card accessible to all of our City’s residents. We will house a permanent on-site printer at the Municipal Services Building (MSB), 1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19102 (concourse), starting on January 14th, and we will launch pop-up mobile enrollment sites where we can meet residents where they are and print cards at community events, libraries, local offices of elected officials, and other community organizations. Information about our pop-up mobile sites can be found on our website, https://getphlcityid.com/. Check the website or call Philly311 for more information on when we will be in your neighborhood or to request to host a pop-up mobile site.
Q: How do we protect information?
A: Protecting residents’ personal information is a priority. Drawing upon the best practices of other cities that have implemented Municipal ID programs, Philadelphia has established a program that retains minimal information about ID applicants: first and last name, unique ID number, the dates of issuance and expiration, and number of points presented by the ID applicant. The PHL City ID is a secure card meeting multiple federal standards for ID security and the City will not retain any copies of any ID applicant’s information. We take every precaution possible to protect each applicant's data to the maximum extent permitted by law.
Q: What other cities have done this?
A: Many major cities have a Municipal ID program, such as Chicago, San Francisco, New York, Detroit, and Milwaukee to name a few. There are also several Municipal ID programs across New Jersey. Additional cities are currently exploring their own Municipal ID programs.
 |
|
|---|
