The Detroit ID Card Program is Back!

The Detroit Health Department is resuming its Detroit ID Card operation to ensure all residents once again have a means of identifying themselves with a photo ID card. The program was paused in 2022 out of an abundance of caution over concerns about the potential for a breach of security of vendor software, though there were no instances of a security breach nor any attempts to gain personal information.

The Detroit ID card provides all Detroiters (regardless of immigration status, age or gender identity) with a photo ID so they are able to access City services, open a checking/savings account, gain entry to City buildings, and establish a utility account with providers such as DTE Energy and Detroit Water & Sewerage Department.

The Detroit ID card is available to all Detroiters, including those who are experiencing homelessness or who may be a returning citizen. The cost is $10; free for children ages 11 and under. Applicants under the age of 18 must have a legal guardian present during their application appointment. Fees may be waived for applicants experiencing homelessness.

The Detroit Health Department reactivated the municipal ID program following a review of all bids requested from qualified vendors that could supply software to provide the Health Department with a means of processing applications without any need for second-, or third-party access to applicant information, and the ability to print the cards on-site. The Health Department worked with the Immigration Task Force to ensure that perceived security risks would be addressed. Omicron was chosen as a result of that review process.

“We want everyone in the City of Detroit to have a Municipal ID card, ensuring they can fully engage in daily activities and access essential services that many of us might take for granted. These IDs empower residents to access city services and participate in our local economy,” said Chief Public Health Officer, Denise Fair Razo. “This is a vital service for Detroiters, and I am proud that we can provide this support.”

City Council Member, Gabriela Santiago-Romero (D6), welcomed the news of the re-activation of the Detroit ID Card program. “As chair of the Public Health and Safety Standing Committee and the Immigration Task Force, I am thrilled for the long-awaited relaunch of the Detroit ID program. Ensuring all Detroiters – regardless of immigration status, gender identity, housing status, or convictions – have access to photo identification is a matter of dignity and wellbeing. These documents ultimately enable residents to gain access to healthcare services, as well as city services and buildings, including schools and libraries, participate in the local economy, and interface with utility companies and law enforcement.

“Simply put, Detroit IDs remove barriers to access and create opportunities for participation; rather than exclude and deny, they include and accept. Longtime Detroiters and new arrivals alike should be proud of this program, and I encourage everyone to get one,” Ms. Santiago-Romero added.

Detroiters may apply for a Detroit ID card by submitting the following information with their application:

Collect documents totaling 300 points (full list is available at detroitmi.gov/detroitid)
Provide proof of Detroit residency

No appointments are needed. Applications are processed at two locations on a walk-in basis:

Detroit Health Department, 100 Mack Avenue; Hours are: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Patton Recreation Center, 2301 Woodmere Street; Hours are: Monday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Businesses are invited to introduce Detroit residents to their products and services by accepting the Detroit ID as identification and offering a discount and/or benefit to people who purchase certain products and services.

Here are examples of ways to engage Detroit ID holders as a Detroit ID Partner: