Bridgeport launched a new municipal ID card program for residents Friday.

The program gives residents the chance to get an official government identification regardless of their immigration status or criminal history.

A municipal ID can be used to access city services, register children for school, cash a check and vote in elections.

Mayor Joe Ganim says that many without IDs do not have access to necessary city services and hopes this program will change that.

Officials say the cards will be good for three years.