Identity Documents

Here are resources on how to obtain identity documentation (birth certificate, non-driver ID, etc.) in New York City.

Birth Certificate

Birth certificates for people born in New York City are administered by the Office of Vital Records, under New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). If you were born outside of the five boroughs, use the CDC Vital Records index.

Social Security Card

Most of the documentation you need for services is administered by city and state agencies, but Social Security cards are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), a federal agency. The process to apply for a new card is pretty simple, but the rules are strict, so save yourself some footwork by making sure you have all the necessary paperwork before you go.

1. Collect all the required documentation. Here is information on what's required and what's accepted. Make sure you have the originals and they aren't expired - they don't accept copies or expired documents.
2. Print and complete this form.
3. Bring this form and the documentation to local SSA office. You can look up the nearest office through their office locator (click "I Need Card Services") or try searching for "SSA Offices in NYC" with Google Maps.

Medicaid Card

Medicaid is administered by the Human Resources Administration. There are several offices in each borough, although at the time of this writing the state's official website has a broken link to NYC offices. Instead, use the nyc.gov list of offices, or try to find an office on Google.

NYS non-driver ID card

Drivers licenses and non-driver ID's are both administered by the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). A driver license/non-driver ID is a relatively powerful form of identification, so it can be more difficult to obtain than the other forms of ID. Please note:

• As with the Social Security Card, you'll need to provide proof of identity. Here is the list of proof requirements. Like the SS Card, all documents must be originals and cannot be expired. Furthermore, the requirements are based on a point system, where each type of documentation is worth a certain number of points. You need 6 total points to obtain a non-driver ID.
• At least one form of documentation must confirm your date of birth.
• There is an option for an enhanced driver license (EDL), which works as limited passport; the EDL allows you to travel back and forth to Canada, Mexico, and some countries Caribbean (however, not by air travel). Because this works like a passport, you also have to show proof of citizenship. Here is the complete proof required for the EDL. The fee for the EDL is $30.

The DMV website provides a helpful checklist for applying: print this checklist to make sure you have everything before you go to the office. You will need:

1. This completed application form
2. All the proof of identity documentation (as above)
3. Your original Social Security Card, or a letter from the SSA explaining that you are not eligible for an SS Card
4. Payment (up to $14, depending on your circumstances and when you apply)

New York City ID Card: IDNYC

The IDNYC card is administered by the Human Resources Administration. (Note: most government programs clearly identify the agency responsible, but for some reason it took some digging to confirm that it was HRA, in partner with other government offices. Here's the link to the NYC Rules page.)

Changing your name

Of course, with a name change, you'll have to update some of the documents listed above. The first step in the process is to have your name legally changed in court. You can find more information on the legal services page