San Francisco Makes Municipal ID Cards Available

State Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, who as a city supervisor introduced legislation for the municipal ID program, returned to City Hall where he praised the program as "iconic."

"It shows the spirit of San Francisco, our openness ... it shows the heart of San Francisco ... and it also shows we can be very smart about policy," he declared.

KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports

Ammiano was honored with the first photo ID, but not without a brief delay. "I had a problem because I didn't have a utility bill," he said.

The program offers IDs to anyone who can provide proof of identity, such as a passport or green card, and proof of residence, such as a recent utility bill or employment pay stub.

It allows access to doctors, libraries and some city government programs. The cards can also be used as identification to open checking accounts at local banks, or for resident discounts at museums and the zoo.

Supporters say the program will aid undocumented immigrants, as well as homeless residents, transgender individuals, seniors, students and children who often lack government-issued identification.

The ID cards also do not specify gender, a feature applauded by transgender advocates.

In addition, the program is expected to inject more money into the local economy as undocumented residents are allowed to more easily open bank accounts in San Francisco, officials said.

City Treasurer Jose Cisneros said eight local banks had already agreed to accept San Francisco's municipal ID card as identification to open checking accounts.

Ammiano and several current supervisors, including David Campos, David Chiu, Ross Mirkarimi, John Avalos and Eric Mar, praised the cards as a model for other communities.

"Let's face it, our state and federal governments should be doing something like this," said Campos. "At the end of the day, this is about recognizing the humanity of every individual."

The cards will be available at the County Clerk's Office at City Hall. They cost $15 for adults and $5 for children 13 and under, seniors and low-income individuals.

More information is available on the County Clerk's Web site at www.sfgov.org/countyclerk.

(clo)