Apply In Person

Visit any Free Library location and apply for a library card in person. You will need to fill out the application and provide proof of eligibility. Below you will find all the acceptable forms of identification and proof of eligibility.

What Do I Need To Show to Obtain a Library Card?

Adults require only one piece of valid identification if it is one of the following valid Pennsylvania State IDs:

  • Driver's License
  • Non-Driver Photo Identification Card
  • Official Photo Voter ID
  • City of Philadelphia Municipal ID – PHL City ID (13+ only)

Adults can also use two items of valid ID that support each other in listing name and address. Photo ID is preferred.

  • Pennsylvania library card
  • Armed Forces ID card
  • Current bank statement or personal checks with printed name and address
  • Birth certificate
  • Certificate of U.S. Citizenship or Naturalization
  • Credit card
  • Employee photo ID card
  • Current letter of ID on letterhead from an employer, school official, teacher, rental manager, shelter manager
  • Latest local utility or tax bill
  • Passport
  • Photo school ID
  • Current rental lease
  • Insurance card or PA vehicle registration
  • Mail postmarked within the past 30 days (including envelope library card came in)
  • Medicare/Medicaid card
  • Patient treatment card from a local hospital or clinic
  • Professional, vocational or union photo ID
  • Public Health or Public Assistance Papers
  • Latest landline telephone bill or cable bill
  • Official State ID (other than PA)
  • Non Photo Voter ID

Not acceptable:

  • Post Office box as proof of address. Identification with permanent address is required, although a PO Box can be used as a mailing address.
  • Cell/mobile phone or pager bill
  • Social Security card

Teens, ages 12–17, and children ages 11 and under (if applicable) may also provide the following:

  • Current library card (if address is still current)
  • Current school photo ID
  • Current report card
  • Working papers
  • School roster
  • Teacher's class list during school visit with teacher present
  • In-person parental identification

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