Step-by-Step Guide To Obtain Your NYC Press Card Credentials
Last Updated on October 17, 2025 by Erin Donahue
I am fully entering my photojournalist era, and if you’re a New York–based creator, this might be your next step too. For the longest time, I assumed that to obtain an NYC Press Card Credential, a formal publication needed to publish my work. While I’ve photographed concerts for editorial use, those technically count as private events.
As it turns out, the definition of ‘media’ coverage has evolved over the years and is now quite expansive! Traditional outlets like magazines, newspapers, and TV no longer confine the press. Social media has significantly altered the landscape, democratizing how individuals reach audiences beyond institutional limitations. The Press Credentials Office (PCO) now recognizes that independent photographers, content creators, and freelancers are legitimate members of the modern press. If your work covers public events and reaches a public audience, even through platforms like Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok, you may already qualify!
What Is an NYC Press Card and Why Does It Matter
The Press Credentials Office accepts applications from freelancers, independents, and full-time employees of news-gathering organizations. An NYC Press Card allows members to access parts of events that the general public can’t, like crossing police and fire lines. It’s essentially your key to accessing spaces that the general public can’t. These include:
- Emergency, spot, breaking news events, or public events of a non-emergency nature where NYC has established police or fire lines, or other restrictions, limitations, or barriers for security or crowd control purposes.
- Public events like parades, rallies, or city-sponsored gatherings.
Being a professional photographer and full-time content creator based in New York City, I consistently center my efforts on the Big Apple. Public events I was already sharing about on my own include the Fourth of July, Lunar New Year events, and the Thanksgiving Day Parade. It only seemed logical to acquire a press card to facilitate access. Independent freelancers, such as myself, can apply, as long as I publicly post the coverage on my accounts. Remarkably, my application received approval in a day, even over a major holiday weekend (New Year’s).
Who Can Apply for an NYC Press Card?
There are three types of applications: Single Event, Standard, and Reserve Press Card, but I’m only going over the Standard Press Card application since that’s what I submitted for. There are full tutorials for the other two applications on the PCO website.
To be eligible, you must publish, broadcast, or cablecast six or more articles, commentaries, books, photographs, videos, films, or audios within the 24 months preceding your application. You must cover the events on separate days, in one of the five boroughs, and attend them in person.
How To Apply for Your NYC Press Card (Step-by-Step)
- Create an account via the NYC Press Credentials Portal
- Select Account Type: Individual or Newsgathering Organization
- Answer the required questions
- Submit 6 pieces of media coverage
- Provide relevant links and include media files to corroborate. I simply downloaded my corresponding Instagram Reels and TikToks to upload.
- Wait for approval
- Schedule an in-person appointment once approved
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID to the appointment
- Receive your Press Card!
My Experience Getting Approved
As a photographer and creator based in New York City, I’ve spent years documenting and posting about public events. Getting an official pass helps me with better access to these events. The process was straightforward, and the approval turnaround was impressively fast. The PCO has clearly adapted to include digital-first media professionals who play a key role in covering city life.
If you regularly cover public NYC events, the NYC Press Card gives your work legitimacy, facilitates access, and signals professionalism to collaborators, brands, and media outlets alike.
To keep up to date with everything I share, follow along on my social media and read up on what camera gear I use for photography.
