Are you one of the many San Francisco residents without photo identification? Does it make navigating the city and accessing its services more difficult?

Well good news! The City of San Francisco has a solution for you, and it’s called the SF City ID Card.

San Francisco residents can get a City photo ID card, which can be used to prove residency and access certain San Francisco city programs.

To get a San Francisco City ID card, you need to make an appointment with the County Clerk’s office by using its online appointment system or calling 415-701-2311. Only one appointment per applicant.

Your appointment will take place at:

San Francisco City Hall, Room 82
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102

When you go to your City ID card appointment at the Clerk’s Office, you will fill out an application. Depending on your age you will fill out one of two applications. You can also find all the applications online.

But before you can get a SF City ID card from the Clerk, you’ll need to prove your identity and residency.

How can I prove my residency and identity to get an SF City ID card?

You can prove your residency and identity for a SF City ID card by showing any one of the following documents with the applicant’s name and residential address within San Francisco:

RESIDENCY:

  • A utility bill from the last 30 days
  • A local property tax statement or mortgage payment receipt dated from the last 30 days
  • A bank account statement dated from the last 30 days
  • Proof of a minor currently enrolled in a San Francisco school
  • Written verification issued by a San Francisco homeless shelter confirming at least 15 days residency within the last 30 days
  • Federal or state income tax or refund statement dated within the last 30 days
  • Insurance bill (homeowner’s, renter’s, health, life or automobile insurance) dated within the last 30 days
  • An employment pay stub dated from the last 30 days
  • Written verification issued by a San Francisco hospital, health clinic or social services agency confirming at least 15 days residency within the last 30 days
  • Written ruling, order or notice from the Residential Rent Stabilization and Arbitration Board dated from the last 30 days
  • A Jury summons or court order issued by a state or federal court and dated within the last 30 days

IDENTITY:

ONE of the following unexpired documents in English (must display applicant’s photograph and date of birth):

  • US or Foreign Passport
  • US Driver’s license
  • US State ID
  • US Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

Or, TWO of the following unexpired documents in English (at least must display applicant’s photograph and date of birth):

  • Certified copy of US or Foreign Birth Certificate
  • Social Security Card
  • National ID Card with photo, name, address, date of birth and expiration date
  • California Educational Institution Identification Card: elementary, middle, secondary and post secondary schools
  • Foreign driver’s license
  • US or Foreign Military Identification Card
  • US Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) authorization letter
  • Current Visa issued by a government agency

Once you prove that you are who you say you are, and that you live in the best city in the world – San Francisco, you will need to pay a fee and then you will get your brand new SF City ID card. The process typically takes 20 minutes.

How much does it cost to get an SF City ID card?

The County Clerk’s office requires a fee in order to process your request for a SF City ID card. The fee (cash only) for the transaction depends on your age, and breaks down as follows:

  • Child (13 yrs of age and younger) – $5
  • Adult (14 yrs of age and older) – $15
  • Senior (62 yrs of age and older) – $5
  • Low-Income – $5

To prove your low-income status, you need to show proof of your financial state. Ways to do this include presenting enrollment in food stamps, CalWORKS, Medi-Cal, public housing, MUNI lifeline program or the free and reduced lunch program.

And that’s it. With an appointment and the right documents in hand you can have your City ID before you leave your appointment and you can start to access city services like the SF Public Library and open a Family Account with the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.