Detroit resumes municipal ID program for immigrants, residents and others
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A sample Detroit ID. Illustration: Courtesy of the city of Detroit
After a two-year pause, the city will resume its photo ID program for residents regardless of immigration status, age or gender. Those experiencing homelessness and returning citizens are also eligible.
Why it matters: Not everyone has a driver's license and a municipal ID can be used for some of life's essentials, from opening a bank account to establishing utilities and accessing city facilities and services. (Photo ID isn't required to vote in Michigan.)
Flashback: The program was launched in 2016 with the help of former council member Raquel Castañeda-López, who viewed Detroit IDs as a way to show the world that Detroit is a welcoming, diverse city.
How it works: The city has assigned numerical values to various documents that can be used to get a Detroit ID. Applicants must reach 300 points.
- A U.S. or foreign passport is worth 200 points and baptismal records are worth 50, for example.
- To prove residency, a utility bill, lease agreement or other document dated within 30 days of the application can be used.
Between the lines: The city's ID program was suspended in 2022 due to security concerns about a vendor's software. The health department says there were no security breaches.
- The new software doesn't need second- or third-party access to applicant information.
What's next: ID card applications will be available Saturday at the health department's block party on John R between Mack Avenue and Erskine Street, from noon to 4pm.
- Starting Monday, all applications must be submitted in person and will be handled at the Detroit health department, 100 Mack Ave., and the Patton Recreation Center, 2301 Woodmere St., from 9am-4pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 10am-6pm on Wednesday.
- Cards are $10, but kids 11 and under can get them for free. Applicants under 18 must have a guardian present.