Note: Starting on July 13, 2020, PHL City ID will host pop-up mobile sites in partnership with community-based organizations. These mobile sites will operate on Tuesdays and Fridays. Those who are interested in getting the ID card must schedule an appointment. On August 3, the PHL City ID team will resume operations at City Hall, room 167, by appointment only.
The PHL City ID provides a secure and affordable photo identification card for anyone living in Philadelphia, age 13 and older.
The card helps create a more welcoming Philadelphia that embraces everyone who lives here. It is especially beneficial for those who have a hard time obtaining other forms of identification because of cost or other barriers.
The PHL City ID displays the cardholder’s name, address, date of birth, and self-identified gender. It assigns a unique identification number to each Philadelphian and displays an issue and expiration date on the card.
Each cardholder may include emergency contact information or medical conditions for safety purposes, space permitting.
Information about PHL City ID is available in multiple languages.
Card benefits
Residents can use the PHL City ID:
As identification within Philadelphia.
To sign in to schools and City buildings.
To access recreation centers.
To interact with a law enforcement official.
For other situations where they need identification.
The card does not authorize anyone to drive, travel, or enter federal buildings. Cardholders have the option to get a new library card or link an existing one to their PHL City ID so that it functions as a library card.
Cardholders have access to benefits, discounts, and memberships through City partnerships with:
Cultural institutions.
Entertainment venues.
Healthcare providers.
Local businesses.
Local sports teams.
Museums.
To learn more, view the list of current benefit partners.
Gathering the documents you need
To get a PHL City ID, you must prove your identity and residency in Philadelphia. You can use a variety of documents to do this.
The PHL City ID uses a four-point system for the application. Different documents are worth different numbers of points. You must have documents that add up to four points to receive a PHL City ID.
Proving your identity
Your proof of identity documents must include one with a photo and one with a date of birth. They might include your:
U.S. or foreign passport.
U.S. or foreign birth certificate.
Social Security card.
Veterans’ identification card.
SEPTA Key senior ID card.
U.S. or foreign driver’s license.
High school or college student ID card.
Inmate identification card.
Consular Identification Card (CID).
Proving your residency
You’ll also need to prove that you live in Philadelphia. You might provide your:
Utility bill.
Bank statement.
Current lease.
Vehicle registration.
Pay stub.
Letter from hospital, health clinic, shelter, or social service agency.
Choosing your documents
All documents must be original and current. We cannot accept copies. Some expired forms of ID may be accepted at a lower point value. For a full list of accepted documents, see the document guide. You can also use our document calculator to check that you have enough points.
To set up an appointment/review eligibility, click here.