Library Card Application Information for Adults
To Apply
To apply for a Library Card, complete an Austin Public Library Adult Star Card Application and present it in person at the circulation desk of any Austin Public Library location with a current photo I.D. and proof of your current mailing address. For answers to the most frequent questions about Library Cards please see the Library Card and Borrowing Policies. Adults applying for a new library card or renewing / replacing an existing card will need to pay all fines owed on their own account and any accounts they've co-signed for.
Adult Star Card Application (PDF, Adobe Acrobat required)
For youth cards see APL Youth Card Application Information.
APL only accepts the following photo ID's:
- Texas Drivers License
- Texas Department of Public Safety ID
- Temporary Paper Texas Drivers License or Texas Department of Public Safety ID (Only acceptable with additional form of photo ID or if the temporary has a photo on it)
- Non-Texas State Issued License or ID
- Passport
- Military ID
- International Drivers License
- Non-US Drivers License or permit
- Credencial Para Votar ID (Mexico voter registration card)
- Non-US Consular ID
- Resident Alien Card
- Austin Police Department ID
- Texas Offender ID
- U.S. Government issued ID with an identifying number.
Acceptable Proof of Current Address in Your Name
- Driver's license, temporary Texas Driver's license or learner's permit
- Texas Department of Public Safety ID
- Personalized check, savings passbook, bank or credit union statement
- Utility deposit receipt or utility bill
- Current credit card bill
- Voter's registration or notarized temporary voter's registration permit
- Vehicle registration or liability insurance
- Official rent receipt; rental agreement, contract or lease
- Mail postmarked within the last 30 days (if none of the above is available)
Checking Out Materials
You may check out items when you first apply. This card should be presented each time materials are checked out. Please see our Austin Public Library Circulation Policies for additional information regarding loan policies.
Overdue Charges
The fine for any adult book, compact disc, recording, map, CD-ROM, Kit, USB, DVD, Blu-ray or pamphlet is $.25 per item, per day. The fine for any youth book, compact disc, recording, DVD, Blue-ray or CD-ROM is $.05 per item, per day.
The fine for any hold not picked up or canceled within the 10 calendar day hold period is $1.00 per item.
Note:
Austin Public Library cardholders who have had their Austin Public Library Card for at least 6 months and are in good standing are eligible to apply for a TexShare pass to borrow materials at other participating library systems.
Group Library Cards are available for educational, nonprofit, or service groups.
A Gold Card is available for a donation of $25 or more.
For more information call (512) 974-7400, Monday - Thursday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 noon to 6 p.m.
