DETROIT – The city of Detroit launched a new municipal ID program Wednesday for residents regardless of immigration, housing status, criminal record or gender identification.
Mayor Mike Duggan held a news conference at the Charles Wright Museum of African American History on Warren Avenue.
The ID is expected to improve access to city services and other resources for residents who lack state-issued IDs or driver's licenses. The city says it will help thousands of Detroiters gain access to important city services and shopping and dining discounts and interact with Detroit police, financial institutions and cultural organizations.
The new municipal ID does not replace a driver’s license or state ID, but will be recognized by many city departments and agencies as a valid form of identification.
The ID is available to residents ages 14 and older.
Duggan was joined by Councilwoman Raquel Castaneda-Lopez, Chief James Craig, Director of Immigration Affairs Fayrouz Saad and Director of Detroit Health Department Dr. Abdul El-Sayed.
Mayor Mike Duggan issued the first municipal "Detroit ID" #Detroit #OneDetroit #DetroitOpportunities pic.twitter.com/pWwJohOpDo
— Detroit Police Dept. (@detroitpolice) December 7, 2016
City Councilwoman Raquel Castañeda-López shows off the first #DetroitID card-- hers. #Local4 pic.twitter.com/Z4OiBma7F7
— «Jason Colthorp» (@JasonColthorp) December 7, 2016