Secure Pass IDs are available to non-attorney employees of an agency approved by the New York State Unified Court System (UCS) Department of Public Safety. Obtaining a Secure Pass is completely voluntary, but having one allows the holder to enter New York State courthouses without having to pass through magnetometers.
A secure pass is issued solely to expedite entrance into UCS facilities while on official business. It may not be used to enter the courthouse if you are there on a personal matter; this includes entrance to see a friend or family member who is in court on a legal matter. A non-attorney / agency employee who uses a secure pass for entry on a personal matter is subject to forfeiting Secure Pass privileges.
Non-Attorney / Agency employees do not pay a $50.00 processing fee (only if the Secure Pass is lost or stolen) and undergo a thorough application process, including an electronic criminal history search, before being issued a Secure Pass.
Secure Pass ID cards are valid for approximately two years and must then be renewed. Card holders may apply for renewals electronically.
Hard-copy applications for Secure Pass IDs are available at most trial-level New York State courthouses. All first-time applicants must appear in person to both apply for and pick up the completed card.
Applying for a Secure Pass for the First Time
Please bring the following to the courthouse when applying in-person for the card:
- Agency Letter with an original signature (no typewritten or digital signatures accepted).
- Agency Photo ID – must be current and not expired – Name must match government-issued ID (first, last name, and suffix if applicable).
- Two (2) color passport photos - Note: photos must have white or light solid color background.
- Two (2) forms of current, government-issued photo ID are required to verify identity.
- Acceptable forms of government-issued Photo IDs are a: Driver's License, Non-Driver's ID, Learner's Permit; US Passport or Passport Card; NYC Identification Card (IDNYC) (if you reside in one of the 5 boroughs of NYC); NYS BenefitCard; NJ Attorney Bar Card; Pistol Permit; Global Entry Card/NEXUS card (travel card – TSA), U.S. Military Card, Veterans Administration card (VA); City or State University student ID (must be currently attending classes and provide schedule); Permanent Resident Card (Green Card); Naturalization Certificate; or a Professional State License (i.e. Real Estate, etc).
- Your name on the application must match the name listed on your government-issued ID (If name listed is different due to marriage, a copy of the marriage certificate is required).
- If you are licensed to carry a firearm in NYS, you must present your firearm permit.
Online Secure Pass Renewals
- Non-Attorney / Agency employees may renew their Secure Pass ID Cards online.
- The photo on file will be used for renewals.
- Online renewals require only a single courthouse visit, to pick-up the new ID Card, verify identity, and surrender your prior Secure Pass ID card.