Get a Library Card
All California residents 18 years or older, or under the age of 18 with parent/legal guardian approval, have the right to apply for and use a San Diego County Library card, as long as they remain "customers in good standing."
To apply for a library card, customers 18 years of age or older must do one of the following:
Paper Application:
- Fill out an application, using your full legal name.
Solicitud para la Tarjeta de la Biblioteca - Bring the completed application to any San Diego County Library branch.
- Present the following ID to staff at the time of application: Picture ID and verification of current address.
Online Application:
- Fill out the online application, using your full legal name.
- Bring your confirmation number to any San Diego County Library branch.
- Present the following ID to staff at the time of application: Picture ID and verification of current address.
Customers without proper identification will not be issued a library card. Customers with the proper ID, but without verification of current address, will be limited to 2 items until they have verified their address.
For customers under 18 years old, the signature and picture ID of the parent/legal guardian are required. In order to sign as the responsible party for a minor's library card, parents/legal guardians must be "customers in good standing." Parents/legal guardians must be present at the time of application or renewal of library cards. With proper documentation, children who are married or have been emancipated will be issued library cards as adults.
The first library card is free to residents of California. The fee to replace any library card is $2.00. Cards expire every two years. Renewals are free and are done in person at any County library branch. To replace a lost card, the fee is $2.00. Lost cards should be reported immediately. You are responsible for any items checked out on your card.