Library Card Identification Requirements
To get a library card or renew your card, you will need to bring valid and current name and address identification to your local branch. The following are types of identification the library will accept.
Adults
Name and address with photo (no other ID required)
- Driver's licence
- Ontario Photo ID card (ages 16 and up)
If you don't have any of the above, you must present one piece of identification from the Name Identification list and one piece of identification from the Address Identification list. Expired documents or self-written name and address are not acceptable. Bills, leases, and legal documents must have been issued within the last two months of the date of registration or renewal.
Name Identification
- birth certificate
- certificate of Indian status
- citizenship card
- current lease
- current legal document (subpoena, parole, or bail)
- employee ID or benefit card
- landed immigration certificate
- Ontario health card
- major credit card
- passport
- permanent resident card
- social insurance card
- student card
Address Identification
- *current bill or invoice
- *current Government cheque
- *current lease
- *current legal document
- Toronto Public Library mailed registration postcard. (Talk to staff about having a postcard mailed to you)
*Issued within the last two months of the date of registration or renewal
Teens (age 13)
Name identification
Same options listed above for adults, or:
- parent/guardian's identification or parent/guardian's valid and current Toronto Public Library card
- current letter from a teacher on official school stationery
- school report card
Address identification
Same options listed above for adults, or:
- parent/guardian's identification or parent/guardian's valid and current Toronto Public Library card
- current letter from a teacher on official school stationery verifying the student's residency in Toronto and current address
- school report card with current address
Teens (ages 14 to 17)
Name identification
Same options listed above for adults, or:
- current letter from a teacher on official school stationery
- high school report card
Address identification
Same options listed above for adults, or:
- current letter from a teacher on official school stationery verifying the student's residency in Toronto and current address
- high school report card with current address
Children (age 12 and under)
If both the child and parent/guardian are present
- the parent/guardian's valid TPL library card, or
- name and address ID from the above list for either the parent or the child
If the child is not present
- the parent/guardian's valid TPL library card, or name and address ID and
- ID with the child's name
- All children's cards must be signed by the parent or guardian.
People without a permanent address
One piece of identification with your name on it (as listed above), OR a letter from a hostel/shelter or social agency that can verify your name.
Non-residents who work, go to school, or own property in Toronto
Name and address identification as listed above, plus one of the following (issued within the last two months of the registration or renewal date):
- current property deed or other proof of property ownership in Toronto
- current pay stub or other current, official proof of employment in Toronto, e.g. letter of employment on official business stationery, employee photo ID card with employment address
- current Toronto student card
- for teens, current letter from a teacher on official school stationery verifying school attendance in Toronto
Non-residents who do not qualify for a free Toronto Public Library card
Non-residents of Toronto have the option of paying a fee to obtain a card that is valid for either 3 months or 12 months at a time. Name and address identification as listed above must be presented when the card is issued and each time it is renewed.