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, your Chicago Public Library card, Ventra card and pharmaceutical discount card. Additionally, CityKey provides cardholders with discounts to participating museums, theaters, sporting events, restaurants, and retail stores and businesses across Chicago.
As part of the CityKey program, CityKey cardholders will be able to access a pharmaceutical 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 and also provides discounts on dental, vision, veterinarian, and lab and diabetes supplies/equipment.
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 you can use as proof of identity and residency, view our CityKey Document Guide.
Where can I apply for a CityKey?
Out of an abundance of caution, we have made some adjustments to our appointment process. Please see the recent CityKey Program Update.
The goal of the CityKey program is to make the CityKey accessible to all of our city’s residents across all of our communities. To apply for your CityKey, you can visit one of our Mobile Printing Sites, which operate on a first come, first served basis. Our mobile printing events can be found in our CityKey calendar.
How can I renew my CityKey?
If your CityKey is expired or will expire soon, please bring your card to one of the printing events on our CityKey calendar. If you do not need to update any information on your card, all you need to bring is your expired CityKey. If you need to update any information on your CityKey (address, name change, etc.), you will need to bring the proper documentation with you.
A list of required documentation can be found in the CityKey Document Guide.
Can children get a CityKey?
Children under the age of 14 will be able to obtain a CityKey Kids ID where they can have an emergency contact listed on the back of the card. There are additional documents that 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 Residency Attestation Form, which states that the Applicant resides with them. View the CityKey Caretaker Attestation Form.
What is the Chicago Rx Card? I already have a CityKey, do I need to get another card?
The Chicago Rx Card will provide discounts on generic and name brand medications. When residents receive a CityKey, a free Chicago Rx Card number will be printed directly on to the back of the card. If you already have a CityKey, or even if you don’t have one yet, you are able to print a Chicago Rx card, or have it sent via text or email to your phone. Chicago Public Library branches will have Chicago Rx cards and participating Aldermen 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 good 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. For more information about ChicagoRx card, visit www.ChicagoRxcard.com.
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 would like to replace your CityKey you will need to visit one of CityKey’s Mobile Printing Sites. When reapplying, you will need to provide your original CityKey number so that the new CityKey can be issued under the same number. You will also need to meet the same Proof of Identity and Proof of Residency requirements, just as you did when you first applied.
What should I do if I need to update my CityKey?
If you would like to update any information on your CityKey, such as your name, address or any of the optional information, you must reapply by visiting one of the Mobile Printing Sites. 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. Please note that we will charge for any changes that are not covered under the replacement policy.
Tell me more about the security of the CityKey.
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.