July 11, 2014
By Stephanie West
New York, NY — On Thursday July 10th, Mayor Bill de Blasio signed legislation to create a municipal ID card for all New York City residents. The City will immediately initiate implementation of the program, with the goal of launching the new identification card in January 2015.
“We cannot accept a city where some of our residents are forced to live fearfully in the shadows, unable to visit their child’s school or sign a lease. Today, this legislation will begin to provide New Yorkers with the dignity and peace of mind they deserve,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This bill has become reality because community activists and organizers worked tirelessly to make this day happen. I want to thank the City Council, including Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, and City Council Members Danny Dromm and Carlos Menchaca for their incredible leadership in helping all our city’s residents attain the identification they deserve.”
Municipal ID will be an accessible and safe document that will ensure access to City services and grant admission to all municipal buildings. The City is also working toward having the ID be recognized by banks, stores, restaurants, cultural institutions, and incentive programs. The City will protect the confidentiality of all municipal ID applications, and will not ask applicants about their immigration status. The Card will be issued at no cost for applicants during the program’s first year.
“From our earliest days, New York City has been a beacon of hope and optimism, and we are continuing to build that legacy,” said City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. “This new ID card is more than a means of identification—it is upholding the promise of acceptance and opportunity we make to one another as New Yorkers.”
