Press Credential

The PCO offers three types of press cards: (1) a standard press card issued to an individual member of the press for a period of up to two years (expiring on January 15 of odd years); (2) a reserve press card issued to a newsgathering organization (e.g., CNN) for use by its employees (expiring on January 15 of odd years); and (3) a single-event press card issued to an individual member of the press for one event that has a very short period of validity (e.g., the Times Square NYE ball drop). Criteria for obtaining a press card are in Title 43, Chapter 16 of the Rules of the City of New York and more information about applying is available on the PCO’s webpage.

A press card is not required to engage in newsgathering activity and to work as a journalist in New York City.

Before January 20, 2022, the NYPD issued press credentials. Current NYPD-issued press credentials expire on January 15, 2023, and they will be accepted until expiration. The duty to issue press credentials was transferred from NYPD to the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment on January 20, 2022, pursuant to Local Law 46 of 2021.