Mayor approves government-issued ID cards for city residents
ST. LOUIS – St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones approved and signed Board Bill 137 Thursday, which allows city residents to obtain a government-issued identification card for free.
The bill was introduced by Alderwoman Daniela Velazquez in November, sponsored by Board President Megan Green.
Identification cards would allow those who don't have government IDs—such as those who have unstable housing or were recently incarcerated—to still receive city-administered services. It would not replace driver's licenses or other IDs used for voting, purchasing age-restricted products, or be valid for presence of status.
'When people lack government-issued identification, it creates a barrier to access much-needed services and resources, such as housing, healthcare, and education, which limits economic prosperity, slows innovation, and reduces urban vitality,' the bill stated.
City of St. Louis Treasurer Adam Layne will have 180 days to develop the program, which will allow the cards to be available this summer, according to a release.
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'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,' he said.
In order for city residents to obtain a Gateway Card, they will have to provide proof of identity and residency within city limits. This can come in the form of birth certificates, social security cards, or written residency verification from domestic violence shelters or homeless shelters.
Other cities like New York and Chicago have implemented the program, with Kansas City also joining the list last year.
'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,' Mayor Jones said in a release. 'To put it simply, the Gateway Card has the opportunity to help St. Louisans in many ways, big and small.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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