Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the CityKey?
The CityKey is an optional, valid, government-issued photo identification card available to all Chicago residents regardless of a resident's age, housing status, criminal record, immigration status, or gender identity.
The CityKey serves as a four-in-one card by serving as a valid, government-issued ID card, a Chicago Public Library card, a Ventra card and a pharmaceutical discount card. Additionally, CityKey provides cardholders with discounts to participating museums, theaters, sporting events, restaurants, retail stores and businesses across Chicago.
As part of the CityKey program, CityKey cardholders can access a prescription discount through a pharmacy benefit management program called the Chicago Rx Card. The Chicago Rx Card will provide discounts on generic and name-brand medications and is a free and easy way to save up to 80% on prescription drugs. It also provides discounts on dental, vision, veterinarian, lab, and diabetes supplies/equipment.
- How much does the CityKey ID cost?
The CityKey ID is free for all of Chicago's residents. We do not charge to apply online using the CityKey online platform or schedule an appointment for CityKey printing events.
- Who can apply for a CityKey?
The CityKey is available to all Chicago residents who meet the identity and residency requirements. To learn more about what documents applicants can use as proof of identity and residency, view the CityKey Document Guide.
- Where can I apply for a CityKey?
In 2024, the Office of the City Clerk launched the CityKey Appointment System and CityKey Online Platform in our ongoing efforts to meet the high demand and increase the program's accessibility to all of our city’s residents across all communities.
Chicagoans can obtain their CityKey ID by applying online or scheduling an appointment to a CityKey printing event by visiting www.getcitykey.com.- How can I renew my CityKey?
If your CityKey is expired or will expire soon, please bring your card to a CityKey event by scheduling an appointment using our new CityKey appointment system or applying online using the CityKey online platform.
If you do not need to update any information on your card, you can do the following:- Schedule an appointment for a CityKey event and bring your expired CityKey
- Apply online using the CityKey online platform
To update any information on your CityKey (address, name change, etc.):
- Schedule an appointment to a CityKey event and bring the proper documentation with you
- Apply online using the CityKey online platform
A list of required documentation can be found in the CityKey Document Guide.
- What is the Chicago Rx Card? I already have a CityKey, do I need to get another card?
The Chicago Rx Card provides discounts on generic and name-brand medications. When residents receive a CityKey, a free Chicago Rx Card number is printed directly onto the back of the card. If you do not have a CityKey card, you can still get one by either printing the Chicago Rx card, receiving it via text or having it emailed to your phone. Chicago Public Library branches will have Chicago Rx cards, and participating Alderpersons will also have them in their offices where residents can pick them up.
The Chicago RX Card will be accepted at all major chain pharmacies in addition to many independent ones. Over 60,000 drugs are included as part of the program, with savings of up to 80% on both name-brand and generic prescriptions. One card can be used for dependents for an entire family and is suitable for pet prescriptions as well when they are filled at a pharmacy.
No registration or pre-qualification is needed, and every Chicagoan is eligible regardless of age, insurance, income, health, or immigration status. There are no limits on usage or an expiration date. Please note that the Chicago Rx Card is not insurance and is not intended to replace insurance.
CityKey Events
- Why are there CityKey appointment-only events?
The new online appointment system was launched to remove uncertainty and allow you to reserve a time slot at a CityKey event.
CityKey Appointment System
- What is the CityKey Appointment System?
The CityKey online appointment system is a digital platform that allows applicants to view the CityKey calendar and cancel or schedule an appointment for upcoming CityKey events. Applicants must use the online appointment system to schedule appointments and can schedule up to four applicants. A confirmation code will be provided when an appointment is booked, and applicants must present it at the time of the appointment to enter the event and apply for a CityKey.
- How do I schedule an appointment for a CityKey event?
Applicants need an email address to schedule an appointment using the CityKey online appointment system. You can search for upcoming events based on location or time and can add up to four applicants. The system autogenerates a confirmation code, which will be emailed to the applicant at the time of the booking. The confirmation code must be presented at the time of the appointment; applicants will not be seen without a confirmation code. No one will be seen without an appointment.
- What if I need help accessing the online appointment system?
You can visit some of our Chicago Public Libraries where CyberNavigators technology tutors are available to assist. To view a full list of where to find a CyberNavigator, visit the Chicago Public Library website.
- Can I share or transfer my confirmation code to another applicant?
No, confirmation codes cannot be shared or transferred between applicants and are only valid on the date and time of the scheduled CityKey event. It is the applicant's responsibility to bring their own confirmation code and bring it with them to their appointment.
- Is it free to schedule an appointment for a CityKey event?
Yes, scheduling an appointment is absolutely free. You can make an appointment for an upcoming event by visiting the online appointment system. Beware if anyone charges you to create an appointment for CityKey events; you are being scammed.
- There are no more appointments, will additional appointments be added?
Yes, the Office of the City Clerk will continue to update the appointment system with new appointments weekly. Please continue to check our website for new updates.
- I can’t locate my confirmation code, who can I contact for assistance?
Applicants must bring the confirmation code provided to them when scheduling their appointment. You can contact the CityKey team before the event date at citykey@cityofchicago.org.
- Can I still go to my appointment if I am running late?
Applicants who arrive late to their appointment must schedule another appointment at a future event.
- I missed my appointment. Can I make another appointment?
Any applicant who misses their scheduled time slot will forfeit their appointment. If you are still interested in applying for a CityKey ID, the applicant may book another appointment for an upcoming event.
- What happens if someone visits an appointment-only event without an appointment?
All applicants must have an appointment; no one will be admitted into the event space without an appointment.
CityKey Online Platform
- What is the CityKey online platform?
The CityKey online platform is a digital platform that allows Chicagoans to apply for a CityKey online and receive a CityKey through the mail after their information is verified.
- Is it free to apply for a CityKey using the online platform?
Yes, applying for a CityKey online is absolutely free. Beware if anyone charges you to apply for CityKey online; you are being scammed.
- How do I fill out an online application?
To start filling out your online application, you visit www.getcitykey.com, click on the CityKey card button, and agree to the terms and conditions.
- What documents do I need to upload?
Applicants will need to upload Proof of Identity, Proof of Residency documents and a current, passport-size photo. Please ensure that you are uploading the correct documents and photo for the CityKey application. You can visit the document guide section on our website to learn about the documents we accept.
- Can my uploaded documents be a photo, or do they need to be scanned?
For Proof of Residency and Proof of Identity documents, we accept the following formats:
- .JPG, .JPEG, .PNG, .HEIC, PDF, which includes scanned documents and/or photos.
For the photo that will be used on your CityKey, we accept the following formats:
- .JPG, .JPEG, .PNG, .HEIC.
- What are the rules on the photo?
- Photo must clearly show the face of the applicant (no filters)
- Current color photo
- Passport-size
- Applicant may not wear hats or head coverings except for religious or medical purposes
- Photo background must be one solid color
- Accepted files: (.JPG, .JPEG, .PNG, .HEIC)
- Do you keep a record of the information I submit?
Yes, the information submitted to the online platform is retained according to the City’s retention schedule.
- How do I check on the status of my application?
For updates on the status of your application or if you have questions regarding the status of your application, please contact citykey@cityofchicago.org or call 773-248-9539.
- Can an ID be sent somewhere other than my place of residency?
No, we will only mail to your residency, the address listed on your CityKey.
- How long does it take to receive CityKey ID when applying online?
Applicants will receive their CityKey ID in the mail within 10-12 business days.
- What do I do if my application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, you will receive a [letter in the mail or email] informing you that your application was rejected and why. You can submit a new application if your application was rejected.
- What if I need help accessing the CityKey online platform?
You can visit some of our Chicago Public Libraries, where CyberNavigators technology tutors are available to assist. To view a full list of where to find a CyberNavigator, visit the Chicago Public Library website.
- Can I attend an event instead of filling out an online application?
Yes, the CityKey online platform is an optional way to obtain a CityKey ID; you can still schedule an appointment for a CityKey event by visiting www.getcitykey.com.
CityKey for Children
- Can children get a CityKey?
Children under the age of 14 can obtain a CityKey Kids ID, where they can have an emergency contact listed on the back of the card. Additional documents are acceptable for children, who may not have documentation containing a photograph or a proof of residency in their name. A list of required documentation for children can be found in the CityKey Document Guide for Kids.
CityKey applicants between the ages of 14 and 21 who lack proof of residency documents can apply with an eligible caretaker. The caretaker can fill out a Caretaker Attestation Form stating that the applicant resides with them. View the CityKey Caretaker Attestation Form.
- Can I fill out an online application for my child on the CityKey online platform?
Yes, parents or legal guardians can fill out an online application using the CityKey platform. Please ensure you have the proper documents ready to upload. The CityKey Document Guide for Kids provides a list of required documentation for children.
- Can I make an appointment for my child using the online appointment system?
Yes, applicants will be allowed to make appointments for their children. An applicant can schedule up to four individuals per email address. All applicants need an appointment and will not be seen without a confirmation code for appointment-only events.
Replace or Update CityKey
- I lost my CityKey. What should I do, and how do I replace it?
If your CityKey has been lost or stolen, you must report it to the Office of the City Clerk within 10 days. When filing this report, you will need to provide the CityKey number. Using the CityKey number, the Office of the City Clerk will deactivate your existing CityKey.
If you want to replace your CityKey, you can apply for a new card using the CityKey online platform or schedule an appointment to a CityKey printing event. You must also meet the same Proof of Identity and Proof of Residency requirements, just as you did when you first applied. When you reapply, you may provide your original CityKey number so that the new CityKey can be issued under the same number.- What should I do if I need to update my CityKey?
If you want to update any information on your CityKey, such as your name, address or any of the optional information, you must reapply by using the CityKey online platform or scheduling an appointment to a CityKey event. Although the CityKey is worth all 3 required points of identity and is a valid proof of residency, depending on the nature of the change, you may need to present additional documentation, such as a court order or marriage certificate indicating a legal name change.
Contact Us
- How do I contact the CityKey team?
The CityKey team can be reached at citykey@cityofchicago.org. If you still have more questions, you can also reach us at 773-CITYKEY (773-248-9539).
Security and More
- Tell me more about the security of the CityKey.
All information submitted to the CityKey online platform is retained according to the City’s retention schedule.
The CityKey appointment system will only a record of your email address to provide you with your appointment details.
Protecting people's information is our number one priority. We worked closely with community advocates, data security professionals, and the City's technology department to create a program that is safe and secure.
- What if I don’t have internet access?
You can visit some of the Chicago Public Libraries that offer computer assistance through their CyberNavigator program. Visit the Chicago Public Library's website to view a list of participating locations.
- I don't have an email address, where can I get a free email?
An email is required to schedule an appointment or apply online on the CityKey online platform. Below are some free email account providers: