Mayor Elorza Announces Launch of Providence’s Municipal Identification Card Program

IDPVD card to instill community pride, serve as library card, proof of identity & residency, provide business benefits

PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge O. Elorza today joined Department of Vital Records staff, Public Safety officials, Latino Policy Director Gabriela Domenzain and community members at City Hall to launch IDPVD, the City of Providence’s municipal identification card program. IDPVD is available to all Providence residents ages 14 and older and promotes community pride. The card serves as proof of identity and residency, can be used to engage with City departments and provides discounts to local establishments and venues.

“Most of us take having a form of identification for granted until we realize how hard it is to carry out everyday activities without one,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “IDPVD is easily accessible and shows every resident that they are part of the Providence community. In a time when the forces that pull us apart seem stronger than ever, we’re thrilled to announce programs like this that promotes acceptance. I encourage everyone to get a city identification.”

IDPVD is accepted by city officials, municipal departments and law enforcement in Providence as proof of identity and residency. It meets American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) security standards. The card functions as a Providence library card as well. It also provides access to special services, benefits and discounts offered by partnering businesses and organizations, such as restaurants, shops, museums, and entertainment venues. The City is taking every precaution to protect each applicant’s data to the maximum extent permitted by law. Drawing upon the best practices of other cities that have implemented municipal ID programs, Providence has established a program that views, but does not collect copies of documents provided by an applicant as proof of identity or residency.

With regard to document retention, the City has reached out to the Secretary of State for guidance on how long it must retain documents provided during the application process, including the applications themselves. While awaiting a formal response, the City will retain all application documents in the same way it would retain any application materials for other records maintained by Vital Records.

All Providence residents, who meet the age requirements and can present the required documentation, regardless of immigration status, are eligible to receive the IDPVD card. While applicants may self-identify their gender, the card will include the name that is listed on proof of identity documents unless a court-ordered name change order with chosen name is presented.

The IDPVD program is administered by the City’s Department Vital Records. Those interested must apply in-person at the Department of Vital Records Office, room 104, on the first floor of Providence City Hall at 25 Dorrance Street. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30pm to 4:30pm.  For information you can call (401) 680-5662, email IDPVD@providenceri.gov or visit www.providenceri.gov/IDPVD. You can also book an appointment by calling.

IDPVD costs $5 for those ages 14-17, 65 and older and low-income applicants who demonstrate financial hardship. The cost is $15.00 for those ages 18-65. The identification will be sent to the applicant through mail within seven to ten business days.Money orders, personal checks and credit cards are accepted forms of payment. Cash and PayPal will not be accepted.

IDPVD does not authorize cardholders to drive, and is not accepted as proof of identity to vote. The card does not authorize cardholders to purchase alcohol or tobacco products, receive public assistance benefits, or travel on an airplane. The IDPVD does not confer immigration status or provide work authorization. IDPVD expires after three years from issuance date or when a person no longer resides in the city.

Required Documents

Applicants must prove their identity by presenting one qualifying identification documents, including: a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, or foreign passport; RI driver’s license or state-issued identification card; or identification issued by a U.S. government entity i.e. U.S. permanent resident card, among others. Or they can present two qualifying identification documents, including a foreign driver’s license; student identification issued by a recognized U.S. educational institution; a certified copy of U.S. or foreign birth certificate, among others.

Applicants must also prove their residency by presenting two qualifying residency documents, including: current utility bill; bank account statement; or written verification of residence issued and signed by the director or administrator of a transient resident shelter that receives government funding. A full list of qualifying documents can be found at www.providenceri.gov/IDPVD.