The PHL City ID is here! The PHL City ID is Philadelphia’s secure and affordable photo identification card.

Residents can use the PHL City ID:

  • As identification within Philadelphia.
  • To access City programs and services.
  • To sign in to schools and City buildings.
  • To interact with Philadelphia police.
  • As a Free Library card
  • For other situations where they need identification.

If you have questions about getting your PHL City ID, call Philly311 at 3-1-1 or (215) 686-8686.

Find out if you qualify

To qualify for a PHL City ID, you must:

  • Live in Philadelphia.
  • Be age 13 or older.
  • Be able to prove your identity and address.

There are nearly 70 documents you can use to prove your identity and address.

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.

For a full list of accepted documents, see the accepted documents guide.

You can also use the document calculator to check that you have enough points.

woman filling out paperwork at a desk outside of the 311 walk in center

Set up an appointment

Once you have your documents together you are ready to get your PHL City ID. To do this you can make an appointment with the PHL City ID team and meet them in the Philly311 walk-in center at City Hall, Room 167.

Appointments are available:

  • Mondays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Tuesdays–Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If you don’t want to set up an appointment, PHL City ID also accepts a limited number of walk-in visitors without appointments in City Hall, Room 167. Walk-ins are welcome:

  • Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Please note: walk-ins are accepted on a first come, first served basis until capacity is reached for the day.

If you can’t make it down to City Hall, the PHL City ID will be hosting pop-up mobile sites with our partners that include some evening and weekend hours. Information about pop-up sites will be posted when they are scheduled.

phl city id application on a clipboard on a table

At the appointment

Your appointment should take about 15-30 minutes. At the appointment you will fill out an application for the PHL City ID. You can also print and fill out the PHL City ID application before your appointment.

At the appointment a PHL City ID team member will check your documents using a database to confirm they are not expired, fake, or copies.

None of your identifying information will be stored or shared at any point in this process.

Once your documents are accepted the team will collect your money and take your photo. The PHL City ID:

  • Costs $5 for someone 13–17 years old.
  • Costs $10 for someone 18–64 years old.
  • Is free for everyone 65 and older.

You can pay using cash or money order. Credit and debit cards will be accepted starting in May 2019 and will be subject to a $1 fee.

Begin using your card

Once you have paid for your card we will create your ID and you can begin using your ID!

Aside from using your PHL City ID as an official government-issued photo ID, cardholders also have access to benefits, discounts, and memberships through City partnerships with:

  • Cultural institutions.
  • Entertainment venues.
  • Healthcare providers.
  • Local businesses.
  • Local sports teams.
  • Museums.

So what are you waiting for? Get your PHL City ID today!

If you have questions about getting your PHL City ID, call Philly311 at 3-1-1 or (215) 686-8686.

Learn more about the PHL City ID