The Department of New Yorker Verification is a playful, independent identity project run by artist and creative director Franz Aliquo—not a New York City government office and not a legal test of residency. Time Out New York reported on October 3, 2026, that its currently open application route is “By Origin”; a second route for transplants is still in development. The project turns the question of who gets to call themselves a New Yorker into a set of verification rules, but those rules do not settle the question for the city as a whole.
What is the Department of New Yorker Verification?
Despite its official-sounding name, the Department of New Yorker Verification has no municipal authority. It is Aliquo’s independent project, built around the familiar debate over who can claim the identity “New Yorker.” Time Out New York reported that Jennifer Lopez’s viral assertion that a New Yorker must be born in the city helped inspire the conceit.
The project is not a formal measure of whether someone lives in New York, nor does its certificate establish legal residency. It is best understood as a playful application and identity exercise. The details below are those Time Out reported on October 3, 2026; availability and processing may change.
Which application routes are available?
| Route | Status reported by Time Out | What it assesses | How settled are the rules? |
|---|---|---|---|
| By Origin | Open | High-school attendance or graduation in one of the five boroughs, plus one of two additional forms of evidence | Specific criteria were reported |
| By Experience | In development | A proposed points system covering residence and hardship | The full scoring schedule is unfinished |
By Origin: the currently open route
As Time Out described it, applicants must document attendance at or graduation from a high school in one of New York City’s five boroughs. They must also provide either a birth certificate from a borough or proof of continuous enrollment in New York City schools from first through fourth grade. Being born in the city by itself does not meet the reported criteria.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Time Out listed leases, receipts, photographs and witness testimony as examples of supporting evidence, and said statements from bodega proprietors carry particular weight. The report does not establish a complete list of acceptable documents or guarantee that applications are currently being processed, so check the project’s own current materials before applying.
By Experience: a proposed route for transplants
This track is intended for people who moved to New York, but Time Out reported that it was still being developed. The proposal described a 1,000-point threshold, with residence worth no more than 500 points and hardship worth at least 200. Those figures are not enough to calculate eligibility because the full scoring schedule has not been completed.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Aliquo reportedly offered bedbugs, being mugged and alternate-side parking as possible hardship examples. They are examples, not a finalized checklist of qualifying experiences.
What happens if an application succeeds or is rejected?
Time Out reported that successful applicants receive a free PDF certificate and digital ID. These are described outcomes, not independently verified guarantees about current processing. The report also described a conduct clause under which verification could be revoked for disrespect toward the city or its people. Examples include contempt toward different nationalities, languages or religions, and claiming to have “discovered” a neighborhood that was already inhabited.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
According to the same report, a rejected applicant may appeal once within 90 days. The stated appeal fee is one documented act of kindness toward a stranger. This is a rule of the project as reported—not a government appeal process.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does the project decide who is really a New Yorker?
No. It can apply its own criteria to people who choose to participate, but it has no authority to determine legal residency or define New Yorker identity for everyone else. Its two tracks reflect different ideas: documented local schooling and birth or school enrollment for the origin route, and a proposed mix of residence and hardship for the experience route. Whether either approach captures belonging is a matter of personal and community judgment, not something a certificate can conclusively settle.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
