The City of Newark officially announced its new municipal ID card program.

According to a release, the cards will be especially useful for marginalized people in the community, such as those with disabilities, youth, seniors, clergy, formerly-incarcerated individuals, the homeless, immigrants and transgender people.

The Newark Municipal ID cards will begin as a pilot program on July 1 and then open citywide on August 1.

According to the City of Newark Press Office, the cards will:

  • Serve as proof of identity and proof of residency regardless of immigration status
  • Provide access to cultural institutions and schools and within the City
  • Help residents who do not have access to other forms of identification to interact with city agencies, local authorities and open bank accounts