Papers Please: NYC Proof of Vaccination Program Also Requires People To Show ID ‘to Help Reduce Fraud'

A proof of vaccination mandate in New York City requires certain establishments to make people furnish proof that they have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose in order to enter. This applies to indoor dining at restaurants, indoor movie theaters, indoor gyms, and more.

But in addition to the proof of vaccination requirement, people must also provide a form of identification.

“I hereby order that a covered entity shall not permit a patron, full- or part-time employee, intern, volunteer, or contractor to enter a covered premises without displaying proof of vaccination and identification bearing the same identifying information as the proof of vaccination,” Mayor Bill de Blasio’s emergency executive order states.

“‘Identification’ means an official document bearing the name of the individual and a photo or date of birth. Examples of acceptable identification include but are not limited to: driver’s license number, non-driver government ID card, IDNYC, passport, and school ID card,” the order explains.

While the order took effect on Tuesday, the section of the order detailing fines for businesses who are non-compliant will not take effect until Sept. 13.

The ID requirement is to help reduce fraud. Venues covered by the vax screening program are required to check ID for those 18+. Checking ID for 12+ is optional.

The NYC Covid Safe app allows you to upload a picture of your ID if you don't want to carry it.

— Mark D. Levine (@MarkLevineNYC) August 20, 2021