Identification requirements

August 2025

Quick Facts

  • The library accepts many different types of ID including, but not limited to, the list below.  Because there are many types of ID, staff must use their best judgment to determine if the ID meets the purpose of identifying the patron.
  • If a patron does not have identification, there are organizations that provide identification assistance. This information is available for patrons as the Address and ID handout.
  • If a patron cannot meet ID requirements to get a library card, an exception may be made on an individual basis by a PIC, supervisor, or the Contact Center.

Policy

Photo identification (ID) is required for the following services

  • Getting a library card:
    • Adults must show ID when getting a library card.
    • Adults must show ID when signing a registration form for a child getting a library card, in lieu of the child showing ID.
      • Children 0-12 must be accompanied by an adult who can show photo ID.
    • Teens 13-17 may show ID or be accompanied by an adult who can show photo ID.
  • Guest passes to use the internet:
    • Patrons ages 13 or older who are getting an internet computer guest pass must show ID for an unfiltered pass. Without showing ID, they may have a filtered pass.
    • Patrons ages 12 or under may receive a filtered guest pass without showing ID. 

Note: Patrons who are registering for library cards through an agency or program, such as a school or outreach partner, may not be required to show ID if the new cards are given to teachers or program coordinators. Patrons who are registering for library cards through a government program where the program has verified their identity, do not need to show ID.

After a patron has initially shown ID to get a library card, staff who know a patron by both first and last names, may identify the patron in lieu of ID.

Showing ID to access library services is voluntary. If a patron chooses not to provide ID, that may limit the services available.

The purpose of requiring ID

The reason the library requires ID is for patrons to prove that they are who they say they are.

  • Library staff should err on the side of access.
  • If the ID is expired or does not have an expiration date, but the photo looks like the patron, staff should accept it.
  • If the photo does not look like the patron or the photo is not clear enough to identify the patron, staff may choose not to accept it.
  • ID must include a name and photo. It does not need to include a birth date, address, or expiration date.
  • The library accepts many different types of ID including, but not limited to, the list below.  Because there are many types of ID, staff must use their best judgment to determine if the ID meets the purpose of identifying the patron.
  • If a patron cannot meet ID requirements to get a library card, an exception may be made on an individual basis by a PIC, supervisor, or the Contact Center.
  • If a patron needs assistance getting ID, please offer an Address and ID handout

​Paper or photocopied ID

  • The library accepts government issued ID, such as jail release or arrest paperwork, copies of prison ID bracelets, temporary Oregon driver's licenses, and interim TPI ID, which are printed on paper.
  • The library does not accept photocopies or pictures of ID, including IDs scanned into smartphones, because these images may be easily manipulated using a computer or copier.
  • Library cards that are photocopied are considered having the library card number, not the actual card.

Electronic or smartphone ID

  • The library accepts public school online student identification for students K-12. Students may use a staff computer to access these sites to show staff their online IDs.
  • The library does not accept pictures of ID, including IDs scanned into smartphones, because these images may be easily manipulated using a computer or copier.
  • Electronic library cards are not ID, but some can be used to access accounts:
    • The library accepts library card barcodes as library cards from the library app and My MCL, because patrons need to log in with their library card and password to get these electronic barcodes.
    • Library cards that are scanned into smartphones or other devices are considered having the library card number, not the actual card.

Acceptable Photo Identification includes, but is not limited to:

  • Employment ID
  • Government-issued ID
    • Driver's license, including Oregon interim driver's license
    • Green card or Permanent Resident card
    • Jail release or arrest paperwork
    • Military or Veteran ID
    • Prison ID bracelet photocopies (patron may ask their dorm counselor to get a copy)
    • United States Passport
  • HOPE ID from the Bybee Lakes Hope Center
  • Government-issued ID from outside the United States
    • Consular ID (for example, Matricula Consular)
    • Passports from other countries
  • Photo credit card
  • School ID
  • Shelter-issued IT, such as TPI (Transition Projects, Inc), including interim paper versions, or HOPE ID from the Bybee Lakes Hope Center
  • Staff, who know a patron by both first and last names, may identify a patron in lieu of ID -- after ID has been shown once to get a library card.
  • Transition Projects, Inc. ID, including interim paper versions
  • Tribal ID card
  • Tri-Met ID
Contact for details
circulation-manual-team@multco.us
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