Community ID

Proper document preparation is a key component to receiving social services, as well as registering children for school, applying for employment and submitting contracts for housing.

Documentation Required:

1. Proof of identity with photo, such as state/county ID or Driver License; passport/consular card/official photo ID card from any country; USCIS green card or work permit; welfare card and original birth certificate, AND
2. Proof of address in your name such as a lease, utility bill or financial account statement.

FOR IDENTIFICATION ONLY- THIS IS NOT AN OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT ID CARD – THIS IS NOT A DRIVING LICENSE OR WORK PERMIT

PARA IDENTIFICACIÓN SOLAMENTE – NO ES UNA TARJETA DE IDENTIDAD OFICIAL O PERMISO DE MANEJO O TRABAJO

WHAT IS THE COMMUNITY ID CARD?

This card extends symbolic recognition as members of the community to certain traditionally excluded populations, allowing them access to basic services and facilitating the work of law enforcement and emergency responders when encountering victims of accident or crime. The Mercer County Area Community ID Card is intended to act as a widely recognized token of membership in a common endeavor, that of accepting each other as human beings, interdependent, co-responsible for our own and our neighbor’s wellbeing, so that together we can build a better community for ALL.

WHO BENEFITS FROM THE COMMUNITY ID CARD?

We all do. First responders now have contact information for anyone who requires assistance and cannot speak for themselves due to injury or language barrier. Victims of crime or accidents feel more comfortable seeking help from police and hospitals. Health and Public Safety will be strengthened when ALL members of our community feel included, and have a stake, in the social fabric.

WHO ISSUES THE CARD?

The card is issued by the Latin American Legal Defense & Education Fund, a nonprofit advocacy group, in partnership with local civic, social services, and faith-based groups throughout the region. The cards are issued by arrangement at places of worship, libraries, or social service agencies, and on a regular basis in LALDEF’s office in Trenton, The Princeton Public Library, at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Ewing, and RISE Community Center in Hightstown. No appointment is necessary. Visit our website (www.LALDEF.org) or call (609) 688-0881 for more information.

1. This card is not issued by any city, state or federal agency, but is endorsed by the Mercer County Sheriff and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s office and the police departments of five municipalities (so far) in the Mercer County Area: City of Trenton, Ewing, Plainsboro, Princeton, and West Windsor.
2. This is a privately distributed photo identification card for residents of the Mercer County Area. Cards are issued by arrangement at local places of worship, social service agencies, and civic organizations, and on a regular basis in locations in Trenton, Ewing and Hightstown. There is a $15 fee per card ($10 for youth or seniors) to cover expenses. Fees are waived for applicants who can document economic hardship.
3. The card is available to any resident of the Mercer County Area. It is a useful form of secondary ID which contains personal identifying data, address, emergency contact information and medical risk factors. This information would assist first responders prioritize and better attend to people in need of assistance in an accident, fire, crime scene or during a natural disaster.
4. To address any privacy and confidentiality concerns, no identifiable personal data is retained in digital or paper form.
5. This Photo ID may be used at social service agencies, schools, clinics, food pantries, parks, post offices, and libraries for purposes of access to basic municipal or health services by immigrants, the elderly, youth or persons in transitional housing, or without a permanent home, who may be unable to obtain other kinds of ID. It is also used by cardholders to identify themselves to law enforcement officers, or in courts.
6. It may be used as a form of customer identification by check cashing companies, banks, pharmacies, retail stores or other establishments.
7. A formal protocol is used to confirm identity and domicile. Examples of combined documents required to obtain the Community ID Card are: passport, driver’s license, or consular ID card, AND a lease, bank account statement, or utility/phone bill.