Library Cards

Get the library card that's right for YOU!

The Knowledge Card

The HCPL Knowledge Card is our full-service library card. It's free at any branch location with proof of address and gives you access to all of our online and in-library collections.

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Enhanced+ Card

The HCPL Enhanced+ Card is a full service library card and a verified photo ID in one

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iKnow Digital Access Card

The HCPL iKnow Digital Access Card gives you instant access to our huge collection of online resources including research tools and eBooks, as well as streaming video and music. Get your iKnow Card now!

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The Knowledge Card

The Harris County Public Library Knowledge Card is the gold standard.

With your Knowledge Card, you have total access to the library's ever-growing collections of books and DVDs, streaming video and music, eBooks and eAudiobooks, and our second-to-none selection of online research and learning tools. Your Knowledge Card also lets you borrow materials from partner libraries across the region including Bellaire City Library, the Montgomery County Memorial Library System, and Pasadena Public Library

The Knowledge Card truly is the only library card you will ever need.

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Enhanced+ Card

The Harris County Enhanced+ Library Card is a full-service library card and verified photo ID in one!

Enhanced+ cards contain your full name, date of birth, gender, address, library card number, expiration date, and photo. Enhanced library cards can be used as a supplemental form of Photo ID. The Enhanced+ Library Card does not replace the HCPL full-service Knowledge Card. It is simply an additional option for library users who might benefit from another form of photo ID.

Updated 11/21/2024

FAQs - Enhanced+ Card

The Enhanced+ Library Card is a full-service Harris County Public Library Card and a verified photo ID in one that includes your library card number, photograph, address, date of birth, gender marker, and the expiration date on the front, and a scannable barcode on the back.

The card is available from all full-service Harris County Public Library locations except Baldwin Boettcher Branch @ Mercer Park, Texas Medical Center Library, and Harris County Law Library.

The card can be used at all Harris County Public Library locations, as well as online to access our eBooks and other digital resources. It may also be used to borrow eligible materials at all of Harris County Public Library’s reciprocal partner locations: Bellaire City Library, Lone Star College Libraries, Montgomery County Memorial Libraries, and Pasadena Public Library.
In order to apply for the Enhanced+ Library Card, library staff will need to verify your identity and residency. Here is the list of eligible documents: Documents for Proof of Identity and Residency. You may need to bring more than one document to prove your identity. Read the information on the list carefully.

You will need to present original or certified copies of the required documents when you apply for a card.

You must be present to verify documents and have your photo taken. Images that have been printed or provided digitally by yourself will not be accepted.

Only Texas residents are eligible for the Enhanced+ Library Card. See the application form.

For customers who don't have permanent address in Texas, alternatives are listed in the Proof of Residency section.

Proof of identities | Documentos para prueba de identidad y residencia
Enhanced+ Library Cards are printed on-site at all full-service Harris County Public Library locations at the time the application is accepted and the applicant’s photo is taken. You will leave with your Enhanced+ Library Card after your application is accepted. It should not take longer than 15 – 20 minutes to apply for and receive your Enhanced+ Library Card. There is no need to make an appointment.

How to get an Enhanced+ Library Card

Only residents of Texas are eligible for an Enhanced+ Library Card.
Enhanced+ Library Cards are available to library users of any age.
You must be present and have sufficient documentation in order to receive an Enhanced+ Library Card

Step 1:
Complete the Harris County Enhanced+ Library Card Application.

Print Enhanced+ Card Application | Imprimir solicitud de tarjeta Enhanced+

Step 2:
Visit any Harris County Public Library branch or participating community partner location.

This service is currently NOT available at Baldwin Boettcher, Harris County Law Library and Texas Medical Center Library.

Step 3:
Present documents that prove your identity and residence. See below for information and a full list of acceptable documents.

Step 4:
Your Enhanced+ Library Card will be made while you wait.

Proof of Identity & Residency

Print proof of identity and residency document list

Listas de documentos para prueba de identidad y residencia

Proof of Identity

Identity document(s) must equal 3 points. Consult the chart below for document point values.
Original documents must be presented. Photocopies are not accepted.

Print Proof of Identity and Residency Document Lists, opens a new window

Listas de documentos para prueba de identidad y residencia, opens a new window

Documents Worth 3 Points:
Must be the original document, expired for one year or less, with a photograph, full name, and date of birth.

Documents Worth 2 Points:
Must be the original document, unexpired, with the applicant’s name.

Documents Worth 1 Point:
Must be the original document, unexpired, with the applicant’s name.

Adults and Minors:
U.S. Documents:
•   U.S. Driver’s License
•   U.S. State ID
•   U.S. Passport
•   U.S. Military ID
•   U.S. Veteran ID Card or Veteran Health ID Card
•   U.S. Tribal Photo ID Card
•   U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
•   Certificate of Naturalization (w/photo)
•   Municipal/Local Government ID, including METRO ID cards
•   Employment Authorization Card
•   U.S Accredited Educational Institution Photo ID
•   Released Offender Photo ID (Issued by federal, state, or local criminal justice agency)
•   U.S. State Department Visa (including Border Crossing Card)International Documents:
•   Consular Identification (CID)
•   Foreign Passport
•   Foreign Driver’s License
•   Foreign National ID Card
•   Foreign Military ID (incl. Veteran ID Card)
•   Photo identification card with name, address, date of birth, and expiration date issued by another country to its citizens or nationals as an alternative to a passport for re-entry to the issuing countryRenewal of Adult Enhanced Library Card:
Previous Enhanced Library Card (accepted up to one year after expiration).

Adults and Minors:
•   Social Security Card
•   Voter Registration Card
•   U.S. Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) authorization letter
•   Federal, State, or local government employee ID card (w/photo)
•   Employee ID Card (Issued by an employer located in the U.S.)
•   U.S. Union Photo ID
•   U.S Accredited Educational Institution ID without a photo
•   Prison/Jail Discharge ID or documents without a photo (incl. medical records or parole decisions)
•   School Enrollment Form for the Applicant (Issued by a Texas school district, charter school, or private school)
•   Certificate of Age (Issued by Texas Workforce Commission)
•   Any of the following documents issued by the Department of Homeland Security (incl. ICE and USCIS):

Approval notice of an immigration benefit, (Form I-797; I-797A, B, or D)
Certificate of Naturalization (no photo)
Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record
Order of Release on Recognizance I-220A Services (w/ photo and DOB)
Order of Supervision Form I-220B (w/ photo and DOB)

• Verification of Release Form or Card (Issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement)

• Written verification issued by a hospital, health care provider, or social services agency located in the state of Texas verifying that the applicant’s identity (must be signed and dated on official agency letterhead).

Adults and Minors:
•   *Government Issued IDs from 3-point column if expired for 1-5 years
•   Certificate of marriage, domestic partnership, civil union, divorce or dissolution of marriage, domestic partnership or civil union. If from outside the U.S., with a notarized translation.
•   Birth certificate of applicant or applicant's child, issued by a State or Territory, a locality of a State or Territory, or by the U.S. State Department, listing applicant as birth parent
•   Birth certificate from outside of the U.S., with notarized translation.
•   Texas adoption record of the applicant or the applicant's child
•   Electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card
•   Medical or Immunization Records (Certified by a medical provider)
•   Medicare Card or Medicaid Card, license, or other federal document (Texas Medicaid/Your Texas Benefits Card issued by Texas Health and Human Services)
•   Social Security Benefits Verification Letter or other official letter (Issued by the U.S. SS Administration or a state of Texas Assistance Office)
•   U.S. Military Discharge Forms (Issued by Dept. of Defense or National Personnel Records Center)
•   Transcript from a U.S. high school or post-secondary school
•   Diploma from a U.S. high school, high school equivalency, or post-secondary school
•   Diploma from a non-U.S. high school or equivalent, or post-secondary school, with notarized translation.
•   Bank Card or Sam’s/Costco Club Card (w/name and photo)
ID cards issued by a state of Texas community or social service agencies.

Proof of Residency

All applicants must present ONE of the following documents. The applicant’s name and Texas residential address must be on the document.

Digital/electronic residency documents are accepted.

The following must be current and unexpired:
•   Applicant’s Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 Proof of Identity document that displays their current Texas address (Example: current Texas Driver’s License or State ID)
•   Current Texas vehicle title or registration with address on it
•   Current residential property lease or sublease that includes the lease term, rent amount, utilities terms, and lessor/sublessor contact informationThe following must be dated within 60 days:
•   Utility bill: gas, electric, garbage, water, internet/cable/landline.
•   Insurance bill: homeowner’s, renter’s, health, life, or automobile insurance
•   Local mortgage payment receipt
•   Bank account statement
•   Employment pay stub
•   Jury summons or court order issued by a federal, state, or municipal court
•   USPS Change of Address confirmation (dated within the 60-day period prior to the application submission)
•   Written verification issued by a homeless service agency within the state of Texas confirming residency (original, signed copy on official letterhead)
•   Written verification issued by a hospital, health clinic, social services agency, or faith-based agency located within the state of Texas verifying residency (original, signed copy on official letterhead)
•   If a certified copy of a marriage certificate is presented at the time of application, an applicant may prove residency using documents bearing the name of their spouse.The following must be dated within 1 year:
•   Federal income tax or refund statement
•   Letter or document issued by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service addressed to the applicant regarding the applicant's personal tax status (dated within the 12-month period prior to application submission)The following must be dated within the current school year:
•   Proof that the applicant has a minor child or is a minor* currently enrolled in a school located within the state of Texas
• Letter or record addressed to the applicant from a school, college, or university located in Texas that the applicant or the applicant's child attends*Note: If a minor is unable to provide residency documents, a parent or legal guardian may verify the minor’s residency, provided the parent/guardian would be eligible for an HCPL Photo ID Library Card themselves.*Homeschooled Children: The parent/legal guardian will need to provide residency documents according to the Note above.

Library Card FAQs

HCPL offers five different types of library cards including 1) the full-service Knowledge Card available with application and proof of residency at all HCPL branch locations, 2) the iKnow Digital Access Card (signing up online for Harris County residents) that gives you instant access to all of our online resources like eBooks, and streaming video, 3) the Enhanced+ Library Card that is a full-service library card and verified photo ID in one, 4) Military Library Card for active duty military personnel and 5) Texshare Card. Visit our My Account & Library Cards page to find the card that is right for you.
The Enhanced+ Library Card is a full-service Harris County Public Library Card and a verified photo ID in one that includes your library card number, photograph, address, date of birth, gender marker, and the expiration date on the front, and a scannable barcode on the back.

The card is available from all full-service Harris County Public Library locations except Baldwin Boettcher Branch @ Mercer Park, Texas Medical Center Library, and Harris County Law Library.

The card can be used at all Harris County Public Library locations, as well as online to access our eBooks and other digital resources. It may also be used to borrow eligible materials at all of Harris County Public Library’s reciprocal partner locations: Bellaire City Library, Lone Star College Libraries, Montgomery County Memorial Libraries, and Pasadena Public Library.
Yes, you can get a full-service HCPL Knowledge card in person at any HCPL branch. You must have a photo ID.
In order to apply for the Enhanced+ Library Card, library staff will need to verify your identity and residency. Here is the list of eligible documents: Documents for Proof of Identity and Residency. You may need to bring more than one document to prove your identity. Read the information on the list carefully.

You will need to present original or certified copies of the required documents when you apply for a card.

You must be present to verify documents and have your photo taken. Images that have been printed or provided digitally by yourself will not be accepted.

Only Texas residents are eligible for the Enhanced+ Library Card. See the application form.

For customers who don't have permanent address in Texas, alternatives are listed in the Proof of Residency section.

Proof of identities | Documentos para prueba de identidad y residencia

Military Library Card

Service

Military Library Card

If you are active duty military personnel, you can get eBooks, stream video and music and do online research wherever you are stationed.

Texshare Card

Service

Texshare Card

The TexShare card allows HCPL cardholders to borrow materials from other participating libraries in the State of Texas.

iKnow Card

Apply now and start reading, watching, listening and researching in minutes!

If you already have an HCPL Knowledge Card, you do not need an iKnow Card, but if you don't and you want to

Download eBooks or Audiobooks
Stream videos and music
Read your favorite magazines on your phone, tablet or desktop
Research and learn anything from artificial intelligence to zoology

HCPL iKnow Digital Access Cards are limited to residents of Harris County Texas.

Get your iKnow Card

Visitor Cards

Whether you are just visiting or just settling in, you can get a short-term library card that's right for you.

Visitor Cards

Check out books from our print collections
Check out CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays
Download eBooks & Audiobooks
Stream videos & music
Read digital magazines
Valid for 3 months with the option to upgrade to a full-service card at any time with accepted proof of residence

Temporary Digital Card

Download eBooks or Audiobooks
Stream videos and music
Read your favorite magazines on your phone, tablet or desktop

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Library Cards

Get the library card that's right for YOU!

The Knowledge Card

Enhanced+ Card

iKnow Digital Access Card

The Knowledge Card

The Harris County Public Library Knowledge Card is the gold standard.

Enhanced+ Card

The Harris County Enhanced+ Library Card is a full-service library card and verified photo ID in one!

FAQs - Enhanced+ Card

Proof of Identity

Proof of Residency

Library Card FAQs

Military Library Card

Military Library Card

Texshare Card

Texshare Card

iKnow Card

Apply now and start reading, watching, listening and researching in minutes!

Visitor Cards

Whether you are just visiting or just settling in, you can get a short-term library card that's right for you.

Visitor Cards

Temporary Digital Card

You got the card, now get the apps

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LinkedIn Learning App

Kanopy App

HCPL on the Go!

Libby App

LinkedIn Learning App

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Library Cards

Get the library card that's right for YOU!

The Knowledge Card

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Enhanced+ Card

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iKnow Digital Access Card

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The Knowledge Card

The Harris County Public Library Knowledge Card is the gold standard.

Enhanced+ Card

​The Harris County Enhanced+ Library Card is a full-service library card and verified photo ID in one!​

FAQs - Enhanced+ Card

What is the Enhanced+ Library Card?

What are required to apply for an Enhanced+ Library Card?

When will I receive my Enhanced+ Library Card?

Library Card FAQs

How do I get a library card? What type of card do I need?

What is the Enhanced+ Library Card?

I live in Texas but not in Harris County; can I get a library card?

What are required to apply for an Enhanced+ Library Card?

Military Library Card

Texshare Card

iKnow Card

Apply now and start reading, watching, listening and researching in minutes!

Single Button Module

Visitor Cards

Whether you are just visiting or just settling in, you can get a short-term library card that's right for you.

Visitor Cards

Temporary Digital Card

You got the card, now get the apps

The Harris County Enhanced+ Library Card is a full-service library card and verified photo ID in one!