Providence’s Municipal ID Program, IDPVD, Issues 1,000th Card

IDPVD card instills community pride, serves as library card, proof of identity & residency, provide business discounts

PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge O. Elorza today announced that the City of Providence has issued 1,000 IDPVD municipal identification cards. Launched in late June, IDPVD is available to all Providence residents ages 14 and older and promotes community pride, serves as proof of identity and residency, can be used to engage with City departments and provides discounts to local businesses.

“We’re thrilled that IDPVD has proven to be such a useful resource for so many Providence residents,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “Not having proper identification can create obstacles in daily life that most of us don’t think of. We’re excited that 1,000 residents have received their IDPVD, providing them with both a means of identification and a new way to demonstrate their Providence pride.”

IDPVD meets American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) security standards and is accepted by city officials, municipal departments and law enforcement in Providence as proof of identity and residency. It functions as an Ocean State library card; provides access to special services, benefits and discounts offered by partnering businesses and organizations, such as restaurants, shops, museums, and entertainment venues.

The City takes precaution to protect applicants’ data to the maximum extent permitted by law. Drawing upon the best practices of other cities that have implemented municipal ID programs, Providence established a program that views, but does not collect copies of documents provided by an applicant as proof of identity or residency.

Providence residents who meet age requirements and can present required documentation, regardless of immigration status, are eligible. IDPVD allows transgender residents, who often face obstacles obtaining identification that affirms their gender identity, to self-designate their gender without medical documentation. This gives residents an opportunity to have a form of identification that more accurately aligns with how they identify.

Those interested in IDPVD 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 8:30am to 4:30pm.  For more information please call (401) 680-5662, email IDPVD@providenceri.gov or visit www.providenceri.gov/IDPVD. Appointments can be booked 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. Money orders, personal checks and credit cards are accepted forms of payment while cash and PayPal are not.

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.

Business Partnerships

Partnering with IDPVD is an exciting and unique way to advertise and grow a business. Partners are featured on the City’s official website and promotional materials distributed to applicants. Similar municipal ID programs around the country have allowed partners to expand their outreach and attract new customers. To become a partner and promote a business, email IDPVD@providenceri.gov or call the Mayor’s Center for City Services (MCCS) by dialing 3-1-1.

IDPVD offers the following benefits and discounts:

• All IDs functions as an Ocean State library card.
• Acts as proof of residency to enter the Roger Williams Park Zoo at no cost on the first Saturday of the month.
• $10 tickets to all Wilbury Theatre Group shows (limit 2 per production).
• $5 off per ticket to all Festival Ballet Providence performances at The Vets.
• $5 off when you spend $30 or more at DASH Bicycle Shop
• $1 discount on admission and a 25% discount for memberships to the Roger Williams Park Museum of Natural History and Planetarium.
• $1 off admission for one ticket to the Rhode Island School of Design Museum
• 25% off legal services with Joseph Molina Flynn, Esq., Attorney and Counselor at Law at Molina Flynn Law Offices.
• 15% off admission to the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center.
• 15% off skating and bumper cars at the ALEX AND ANI City Center.
• 10% off performances at ECAS Theater.
• At the start of the 2017-18 season in October, Trinity Repertory Company will offer a 10% discount for Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday night tickets in the main seating section to their subscription series season.
• Free guest admission to the Lippitt House Museum when attendee shows their card.
• Free membership at Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.
• 5% discount at Georgina Hair Salon.
• 5% discount at Parkview Bakery Café