2018-187 Municipal IDsDate: December 21, 2018 Report No. 2018-187
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Provide information on Municipal Identification (ID) programs.
BACKGROUND:
Research
Some local governing bodies in other states have adopted Municipal Identification programs in an
effort to promote safety within its communities. Under these programs, local governing bodies
issue Municipal IDs to residents who are without the ability to obtain a state or federal issued
identification card because they lack the required documentation necessary to obtain the card.
The following is a list of some cities that have implemented Municipal ID programs:
Phoenix, AZ (ONE PHX ID, Proposed)
Los Angeles, CA (2012)
Richmond, CA (Municipal ID/Stored Value Card, 2011)
San Francisco, CA (SF City ID Card, 2007)
New Haven, CT (Elm City Resident Card, 2007)
Chicago, IL (CityKey, 2018)
Detroit, MI (Detroit ID, 2016)
Northfield, MN (City ID, 2017)
Hudson County, NJ (County Resident ID Card, )
Newark, NJ (Newark Municipal Id Program, 2015)
New York City, NY (IDNYC, 2015)
Washington, D.C. (2014)
Municipal ID programs primarily benefit undocumented residents of a city, people experiencing
homelessness or who are vulnerable, such as elderly and disabled persons, including those
suffering from mentally illnesses, victims of domestic violence, and persons previously
incarcerated. These individuals tend to lack the ability to produce the required documents that
federal or state agencies require for the issuance of state IDs or social security cards, or to obtain
certain governmental services. People experiencing homelessness lack the ability to produce
required documentation often times due to not having a stable place to store the documents that
federal and state agencies require. That results in a loss of personal belongings or theft. Local
planning committees, such as the 2015 Mayor’s Housing the Homeless Task Force and the current
Shelter Planning Workgroup of the Denton County Homeless Leadership Team, have identified
programs that could benefit individuals experiencing homelessness such as a document banking
solution and/or providing additional social service support to help individuals obtain new
identification. More information on current local social service support provided for individuals to
obtain state & federal identification is discussed in the last section of this report.
Date: December 21, 2018 Report No. 2018-187
The Municipal IDs serve as proof of identity or residency for such persons as described above,
which enable them to access local services (e.g. bank services, food, housing, jobs, etc.). However,
in most cases, Municipal IDs do not substitute for a federal or state issued ID where required by a
federal or state governmental agency (e.g. a state issued ID is necessary to board an airplane, vote,
license a firearm purchase cigarettes/alcohol or to obtain a passport).
The Municipal ID program in some cities like Chicago is designed in a multipurpose manner to
benefit all residents. The Municipal ID allows the cardholder to have the benefit of access to
multiple services in one card. In other words, the card becomes not only a photo id, but also library
card, a pass to use mass transit, and a discount card to encourage consumer buying for economic
development, for the cardholder. In some cities the card is also a pre-paid debit card and/or
provides important medical identification or other emergency information supporting a resident’s
personal health as well as a city’s public safety services.
Other cities have partnered the implementation of municipal identification programs with banking
institutions to incorporate supportive programs aimed at improving banking services as a valuable
tool to combat those who take advantage of a city’s most vulnerable residents through predatory
lending practices or those targeted for theft because they must store cash either at home or on their
person. Oakland, CA, Fairhaven CT, and Richmond, VA municipal ID programs include a debit
card option. The City of San Francisco teamed up with a number of credit unions to provide
services to those that lacked bank accounts.
State of Texas
Staff could not ascertain any municipal ID programs currently being implemented in the state of
Texas. There is some indication that current state-wide legislative actions like SB 4 (May 7, 2017)
to reduce local authority in actions taken by cities related to immigration or sanctuary cities.
There may be potential legal hurdles and costs upon implementing a Municipal ID program. Some
cities like San Francisco have been sued for its implementation of a Municipal ID program. The
lawsuit in that city stemmed from the premise that the Municipal ID program violated federal
immigration laws and policies. Also, there could be some privacy concerns depending on how the
program is set up.
City of Denton
The City of Denton Library Services offers alternatives to state issued ID that allows access to
most library services e.g. access the facility, read materials, use Wi-Fi, obtain technology cards,
except the person will not be provided a Full Service Library Card, which would allow access to
library computers, online databases and online learning resources, and allows check out of
downloadable and physical materials. Parks and Recreation asks for state issued ID when creating
an account, but not having a state issued ID does not prevent the person from opening an account
and utilizing Parks and Recreation services. Customer Service requires state issued ID to obtain
Utility Services.
Date: December 21, 2018 Report No. 2018-187
Other Organizations Located in Denton
In a quick survey of local social service agencies, there are agencies providing assistance to
individuals to apply for state & federal identification ranging from support with fees for
replacements to securing vital documents. Denton County Friends of the Family, Denton County
MHMR, Interfaith Ministries, Vision Ministries, and Giving Hope, Inc. are a few who responded
confirming they offer assistance to individuals to obtain a state or federal government issued
identification (e.g. state issued ID, social security card, etc.). Agencies help clients fill out and
submit or print forms for government issued photo IDs and pay necessary fees. A number of other
agencies responded that they do not offer assistance to clients who are unable to present
government issued identification, but they refer those clients to Our Daily Bread and Vision
Ministries, nonprofit agencies in Denton that provide nutritious meals, hygiene supplies, clothing,
and other resources for persons who are homeless and facilitate referrals. In addition, Our Daily
Bread provides assistance with obtaining state issued identification, and it also issues a photo
identification card to clients that are accepted by other service providers like Monsignor King
Outreach Center and The Salvation Army Denton for access to emergency shelter services and
Denton Community Food Center for access to the food pantry.
ATTACHMENT(S):
N/A
STAFF CONTACT:
Dani Shaw
Community Development Manager
danielle.shaw@cityofdenton.com
(940) 349-7237
Sarah Kuechler
Director of Public Affairs
sarah.kuechler@cityofdenton.com
(940) 349-8356