Key Dates
- Sept 30, 2025: One Judiciary Square center closes
- Sept 30, 2025: Deanwood center closes — end of issuance
- Sept 30, 2025: Program sunset (support continues for valid, unexpired cards)
ID Basics
1. Is the DC One Card going away?
Yes. Issuance ends Sept 30, 2025. Existing cards may still be used for DC services that accept them until the printed expiration date.
2. Is the DC One Card a REAL ID?
No. The DC One Card is not a REAL ID. It functions only as secondary identification and isn’t accepted for federal ID checks or air travel.
3. Given recent federal ID checks, what should I carry?
Carry a DMV REAL ID or Limited Purpose ID as your primary identification.
4. Is the DC One Card the same as Kids Ride Free (KRF)?
No. They are different cards. KRF cards are distributed by schools; contact your school’s ID administrator.
Using Services
5. Parks & Recreation
Create/verify a DPR account and obtain a DPR card (DPR.dc.gov).
6. Library services
Apply for a DCPL library card online or at any branch (DCPL.dc.gov).
7. Students & Kids Ride Free
Students use school-issued IDs; KRF continues via schools and is unaffected.
Transit
8. What happens to my SmarTrip balance?
Register your card at smartrip.wmata.com to protect the balance and transfer it to a new card when needed.
Security & Scams
9. Will I be asked for my password or account information?
District agencies will never ask for your password or payment by text/DM. Verify official URLs (dc.gov, dmv.dc.gov, dpr.dc.gov, dcpl.dc.gov, wmata.com).
Where can I find additional information? (Quick Help Matrix)
| Need | Primary credential | What to do (fast path) | Online | Who can help |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
General One Card transition info |
Read step-by-step guidance; check dates; find contacts |
dc.gov/OneCardTransition |
OCTO Help Line: 202-727-6030 |
|
|
Primary identification |
DMV REAL ID or Limited Purpose ID |
Check documents; schedule appointment; look for mobile DMV events |
DMV.dc.gov |
DMV Service Centers; Community partners |
|
Parks & Recreation access |
DPR account + DPR card |
Verify/create account; pick up DPR card for entry |
DPR.dc.gov |
DPR Centers & Front Desks |
|
Library access |
DCPL library card |
Apply online or in-branch; link to existing account if needed |
DCPL.dc.gov |
Branch Staff; Ask DCPL |
|
Student ID / Kids Ride Free |
School-issued ID; KRF card |
Contact school ID administrator; follow school KRF distribution |
DCPS / DC PCSB |
School Front Office; Family Engagement Teams |
|
Transit fares & balance |
WMATA SmarTrip |
Register to protect balance; transfer to new card if needed |
smartrip.wmata.com |
WMATA Support (1‑888‑SMARTRIP) |
Reminder: The DC One Card is not a REAL ID and should not be relied on for federal ID checks.