FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 29, 2019

***UPDATE: City Hall will have summer hours from July 1st to Labor Day. City of Kingston IDs will be issued from 8:30am-3:30pm during that time. Spanish language assistance will be available from 12:30-4:00pm.***

Mayor Steve Noble Announces City of Kingston ID Card

Program to Launch at Kingston Multicultural Festival on June 2, 2019 

KINGSTON, NY – Mayor Steve Noble is pleased to announce the launch of the City of Kingston ID program. The City of Kingston ID card will be available to any Kingston resident age 14 years or older who is able to meet the identity and residency requirements. The ID card includes photo, name, address, date of birth, height and signature, and is valid for four years from date of issue. 

The City of Kingston ID program will officially launch at the Kingston Multicultural Festival on Sunday, June 2 from 12:00pm–5:00pm at T.R. Gallo Park. The festival is free and open to the public. Spanish language assistance and translation will be available at the City of Kingston ID table at the festival. The ID machine, which is portable, will be operated by City Clerk Elisa Tinti, first at the festival, and then daily in the Clerk’s office at City Hall starting Monday, June 3. 

To obtain a Kingston ID card, proper documentation must be provided to the Clerk’s Office on the first floor of City Hall at 420 Broadway during regular office hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:00pm. The price for adults over 18 years old is $10, and $5 for Veterans, seniors, and minors aged 14-17. All identifying documentation will be returned or destroyed after the application has been processed.  

The resolution to establish the City of Kingston ID program was unanimously adopted by the Common Council in December 2018 and signed into law by Mayor Noble on December 19, 2018. As stated in the Local Law, “...many residents of the City of Kingston are unable to obtain government-issued identification that is required to fully participate in the City of Kingston’s rich society. This barrier potentially leaves thousands of individuals — including immigrants, homeless people, transgender people, senior citizens, young people, and those who have been formerly incarcerated — without access to critical services, benefits, cultural, educational, and civic opportunities.”  

The City of Kingston ID program seeks to promote public safety and enable all City of Kingston residents to participate more fully in and become an integral part of the life of the community. Over 30 cities across the nation now offer municipal IDs. In New York State, Kingston joins New York City and Middletown in offering such a program.  

“I am excited to launch the Kingston ID program, which closely aligns with our efforts to build a safe, welcoming and inclusive community where every person is valued and respected,” said Mayor Noble. “In addition to promoting a sense of unity and connectedness among all of our residents, this program will ensure that our most vulnerable neighbors have the identification they need to perform the most basic functions that many of us take for granted. Whether it is picking up your child from school, visiting a loved one in the hospital, receiving the resident rate for summer camp, or even getting a library card, presenting a valid photo ID is often required. In addition to the social and civic benefits, municipal IDs empower residents who are the victims of or witnesses to crimes to feel more comfortable to report such crimes to local police agencies.” 

There are also economic benefits of the municipal ID program. A dozen local businesses have already signed on to offer discounts to City of Kingston ID cardholders, with more expected to sign up after the program’s launch.  

“My office has seen a lot of excitement and anticipation of the municipal ID program,” said City Clerk Elisa Tinti. “We are looking forward to offering this much needed service to the residents of Kingston.” 

Por favor traiga los documentos requeridos a la oficina del City Clerk en el primer piso de la alcaldia en 420 Broadway durante las horas: Lunes a Viernes de 8:30am a 4:00pm. Si necesita asistencia en español, por favor visite la oficinia durante las horas: Lunes a Viernes de 11:30am a 3:00pm. 

More information, a list of required/accepted documents, and a list of businesses participating in the Kingston ID Discount Program are available at www.kingston-ny.gov/kingstonID