Irvine Public Library Cards

Irvine Public Library (IPL) cards are free and available to California residents. To receive an Irvine Public Library card, you will need:

  • A valid government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of California residence

A California Driver's License or state issued ID is acceptable. If your government-issued identification does not reflect a current California address, a piece of mail or online order delivered within the last six months of the current date is acceptable.

Please note:

  • A parent or guardian must be present to register their child for a library card.
  • The library card applicant must be present to receive their library card.

Apply for your library card in person at any Irvine Public Library location or apply online (link coming soon) and pick up your card at the IPL location of your choice.

Types of Library Cards

Standard card
These will be issued to library users of all ages who are able to provide photo identification and proof of California residence. A parent or legal guardian’s presence and/or signed library card application is required for applicants ages 17 and under. This card provides full access to borrowing materials as described below and will expire after five years.

Computer Use card
Users may register for a Computer Use card to get immediate access to public computers. Computer Use Cards may be converted to standard cards by providing a photo identification and proof of California residency, in person at any branch. Computer Use Cards expire after five years.

Limited Access Teen card
Teenagers, ages 13- 17, may register for a limited access teen library card without a parent or legal guardian’s presence. The parent or legal guardian’s signature on the library card application is required. The parent or legal guardian will have access to the library card and library use information of the teen patron. These cards are subject to borrowing restrictions as described below.

Educator card
Educator cards are available to applicants with proof of employment with a school in the Irvine Unified School District, or a private school or state-licensed childcare facility, including family-based childcare, with an Irvine zip code. Educator cards are also available to applicants who work at Tustin Unified School District locations that serve Irvine residents. Educator cards are subject to extended borrowing privileges as described below and expire after five years.

Loan and Reserve Limits

Loan/Reserve limits for Standard library cardholders are as follows:

  • 50 total items
  • Three Library of Things items
  • Digital resources limits vary by vendor and licensing
  • 20 holds

Loan/Reserve limits for Teen cardholders are as follows:

  • Five total items
  • Zero Library of Things items
  • Digital resources limits vary by vendor and licensing
  • Two holds

Loan/Reserve limits for Educator cardholders are as follows:

  • 50 total items
  • Five Library of Things items
  • 20 holds
  • Extended checkout period of 60 days, for select items

Library accounts may be updated in person at any Irvine Public Library location or over the phone.