Free IDNYC Pop-Up Enrollment Center Opens at BMCC

The BMCC community took advantage of the first day of operation of the college’s IDNYC pop-up enrollment center in Room S642 at 199 Chambers Street on November 2.

The center will be open on various dates through Friday, December 2.

IDNYC is an official government-issued identification card available to all city residents age 14 and older, regardless of immigration status. The IDNYC card is free for all New Yorkers who apply through December 31, 2016. Cards are valid for five years from the date the application is approved. The application process is accessible to people with limited English proficiency and those with disabilities

Under the direction of Marva Craig, Vice President of Student Affairs, a committee of representatives from BMCC collaborated with the office of New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio to bring the pop-up center to BMCC, the second CUNY college to host an IDNYC enrollment center.

Proof of identity and New York City residency is required. BMCC students can use a copy of their transcript, along with their CUNY ID as part of the required documentation. They can also use bills or bank statements as proof of address.

IDNYC comes with a number of benefits including the ability to open up a bank account, enter government buildings, use a New York City library and identify oneself to the police. Also, the card comes with benefits such as free museum memberships and discounts for concert tickets, pharmacies and other entertainment.

“I noticed there was a free one-year membership at more than 40 cultural institutions, discounts at movie theaters and sporting events,” said Margaret Carson, Professor of Modern Languages, as she finished her application. “It’s hard to make me feel like more of a New Yorker, but getting this official city ID does,” she added.

Deborah Harte, Manager of BMCC Single Stop, said BMCC students who may not have official government identification can benefit by enrolling. She said IDNYC is valid for just about any process or situation where a student needs to show proof of identity.