California · find a service

Get a library card in California

Get a library card.

In California, 47 county departments, 8 public authorities and 2 city governments publish 58 official links for this service. Reviewed requirements cover documents (109), availability notices (101), eligibility (82), accessibility (3), processing time (2), deadlines (1), appointments (1) and languages (1). 57 counties have a page for it below.

Before you start · 3 things to check

County browse results can include county departments, city libraries and independent or shared library authorities. Confirm that the provider meets your needs.
Residency, ID, youth-card and replacement-card rules vary by library system.
Administrative directory phones are marked separately from branch service desks. Check a branch’s official page before visiting.

1 guide with reviewed service links · San Mateo

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Highlighted counties have a reviewed service guide matching this selection. An agency may serve only a city or part of a county.

California58 counties

County directory Reviewed service guides available

Map for browsing; agency service areas may differ.

Map source

U.S. Census boundaries via U.S. Atlas · 2017 edition, simplified for display.

Public authority · San Mateo

San Mateo County Libraries

Official public library system associated with San Mateo County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.

Library-card update, renewal & free replacementOfficial instructions

Read the actual provider’s reviewed topic below. Eligibility, digital-only versus physical access, youth requirements and fees remain specific to this system; county association does not unify independent city or partner-library rules.

Five-year card update cycle

Yes, cards must be updated every five years. You'll be notified when logging into your online account if your card is close to expiring. You can also see your card expiry date under Account Information in your My Settings.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Report lost card promptly; liability until report

If you lose your library card or key chain, please call one of the San Mateo County Libraries as soon as possible. You’re responsible for all materials, fines and fees checked out on your library card until its loss is reported.

Official information checked October 26, 2026 · Details & sources

Source checked October 26, 2026

San Mateo County Libraries · My account and card FAQ (opens in a new tab)

My account and card FAQ — 06081 reviewed card topic

To update/renew your card please visit one of the San Mateo County Libraries. You’ll need to show a current valid ID with your photo, name and address to complete the process.

Saved evidence: 1786f151f3290c34 · Agent source review

Full guide, contact details & sources →

Get a library card in California

San Mateo County Libraries

Get a library card by county