New Orleans launched the Crescent City ID, which allows residents to receive discounts at certain local businesses and easier access to city services.

Daisy Reyes Cabral, Crescent City ID manager, said the card was created “to ensure all New Orleanians [have] access to city services, and functions as New Orleans Public Library card, Recreation Development Rec Trac card, and gives discounts at participating local businesses.”

The card serves as a form of identification only in the city of New Orleans.

The card serves as a form of identification only in the city of New Orleans. According to Reyes Cabral, the ID “is accepted by City Departments including NOPD and anywhere a photo ID is accepted.”

To apply, Orleans Parish residents need to bring documentation to prove their identification and residency. 

“IDs are issued at pop-up events across the city on a first-come, first-served basis, or residents can also book appointments online for our office location,” Reyes Cabral said. 

Several state officials, including Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, have criticized the idea. 

“This is the stupidest idea I’ve ever seen,” Landry said. “The City of New Orleans is under the State of Louisiana. It is not its own country.”

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill also criticized the idea in a post on X, saying it could be used by criminals to avoid criminal warrants against them. 

“The State is the official issuing authority for state recognized government identification,” Murrill said. “I also have concerns that this City ID could also be used as means of concealing a person’s real identity and avoiding active criminal warrants.”

Robert Hodges, Louisiana state police superintendent, released a statement emphasizing that the Crescent City ID only served a purpose in the city of New Orleans. 

“We strongly encourage all residents to utilize the resources provided by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles to secure proper identification that is recognized statewide,” Hodges said.