Mayor Rahm Emanuel and City Clerk Anna M. Valencia officially launched the Chicago Municipal IDs pilot today by printing the program’s first “CityKey” cards. Additional cards will be printed between now and February for community partners who will test the system before it rolls out citywide in the second quarter of 2018. Community groups will test the card throughout the first quarter of 2018 to ensure security and full-integration of the card features. During this time, the Clerk’s Office will also be working with community based organizations and other stakeholders to educate the public on the application process.

The program is scheduled to launch citywide during the second quarter of 2018, with free enrollment for the first 100,000 applicants. The CityKey Municipal ID card serves as an official government-issued identification card and will provide a “3-in-1” benefit to cardholders by allowing users to load fares, ride CTA, and also use the ID as a library card. The card will also continue to expand its functionality during the pilot with pop-up enrollment sites, additional test partners and added benefits. The Municipal ID will cost $5 for those 17 years and younger, $10 for adults and free of for seniors aged 65 and older. Various communities may qualify for fee waivers including homeless individuals, domestic violence survivors, returning citizens, Veterans, seniors 65+, low-income individuals, and One Summer Chicago participants.

U.S. Veterans will have the option to have a special insignia located under the cardholder’s photo on their ID, indicating their service in the U.S. Armed Services. Cardholders will also have the option to include intent to donate organs, as well as emergency contact or medical information. To support the program’s implementation, the City’s 2017 and 2018 Budget allocated $1 million to the program.