Mayor Jones Signs Municipal ID Bill, Creating Free Government-Issued Identification Cards for St. Louis City Residents

Today, Mayor Jones signed BB 137, which establishes a Municipal Identification Card Program, known as the Gateway Card. This program will provide all residents access to free government-issued photo identification.

“The Gateway Card will make life easier for families and seniors to take advantage of things like libraries, rec centers, and senior centers, or get access to health care and support programs,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “To put it simply, the Gateway Card has the opportunity to help St. Louisans in many ways, big and small.”

Millions of Americans and thousands of St. Louisans do not have a government-issued photo ID, and many of them struggle with obtaining housing and jobs. Doing business with the City or opening a bank account can also be more of a challenge for those without such an ID. BB 137, sponsored by 6th Ward Alderwoman Daniela Velázquez and passed unanimously by the Board of Aldermen, enables the City to provide residents with an ID card that unlocks those doors to opportunity.

“The Gateway Card will help the people who need it most to be able to fully participate in our community,” said Alderwoman Velázquez. “This new program was a collaborative effort with advocates from its inception to today and symbolizes how we’re making sure St. Louis continues to be a welcoming city for all.”

Administration of the Gateway Card program will be handled by the office of Treasurer Adam Layne, which now has 180 days to develop the program, meaning Gateway Cards are expected to become available to St. Louisans this summer.

"Ensuring accessibility and upward mobility for all St. Louis residents is of utmost importance. These municipal IDs are a step forward in making city services more efficient and inclusive for everyone. We appreciate businesses that are already on board for accepting the new IDs. My office remains committed to providing solutions that meet the evolving needs of the St. Louis community,” said Treasurer Layne.

Anyone seeking to obtain a Gateway Card will be required to provide proof of identity and show that they reside in the City of St. Louis. A wide range of possible documentation can be used for these purposes, including a birth certificate, a social security card, or a written residency verification from domestic violence shelters or City-funded homeless shelters.

The City of St. Louis joins dozens of cities across the country that have created municipal ID programs, including New York City, Little Rock, and Kansas City.