New York City is preparing to offer 8 million New York residents the chance to apply for a municipal identification card, IDNYC.

The program, supported by Local Law 35 and signed into law on June 10, establishes a New York City government issued photo identification card, to be administered by the Human Resources Administration.

It was created because half of New York City residents, aged 16 and over, do not have a New York State Driver's License. With the card holders will be able to enter all City buildings, such as schools, and access City services, and police officers will accept the IDNYC card as valid identification.

"A great deal of analysis and care went into ensuring our IDNYC card is strong on privacy and security, while providing access to as many people as possible," Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a released statement. "We want New Yorkers to feel proud to carry this card in their wallet, but also to feel confident knowing that their information is safe and secure.

The IDNYC card will display the cardholder's photograph, name, date of birth, an expiration date, signature, eye color, height, identification number and a street address. Cardholder's can decide if they want their gender displayed, emergency contact information, preferred language, and participation in the organ donor program.

"The launch of IDNYC addresses the growing concern that because of a lack of proper identification, New York City residents are missing out on some of the key resources that make New York both a world class cultural destination, and a City with resources available to help secure dignified life for hardworking families and individuals," Councilmember Carlos Menchaca said in a released statement.

"This ID program represents the way that government can ensure that residents are enfranchised, empowered, and able to be fully a part of our diverse communities."

Residents will need to fill out an application and have documents to meet a four-point requirement of residency. Four points are met with a New York State Driver's License and Handgun License. Alternatively a U.S. or foreign passport, gives a resident three points and a utility bill, one point.

The card is free but expires after five years. Anyone over 14 can apply for one and applications have to show proof of identity and proof of residency in New York City. Homeless New Yorkers without a permanent address will be an exception, and domestic violence survivors won't be required to list their home address.

For the first year, the card will entitle its holder to free membership package at 33 of the City's leading cultural institutions, including world class museums, performing arts centers, concert halls, botanical gardens and zoos in all five boroughs. Included will be discounted admission, access to special events and discounts in museum shops.

Some of the 33 institutions participating include: Bronx Museum of the Arts, New York Botanical Garden, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, American Museum of Natural History, Carnegie Hall, El Museo del Barrio, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City Ballet, Studio Museum in Harlem, Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning, MoMA PS1, New York Hall of Science, Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden and Staten Island Zoo.

The application process will be conducted at enrollment sites around the city, which will be announced before the launch of the program in January 2015. Here for more information.