The NSW Photo Card is a voluntary card for people who do not hold a current NSW driver licence, or other form of photo identification, to help them show who they are. It may be used to help access a number of everyday services such as sending or receiving international mail, opening bank accounts and entering licensed premises.
The Photo Card replaces the Proof of Age Card.
(The Proof of Age Card became redundant on 14 December 2008).
How do I get a Photo Card?
To be eligible for a Photo Card you must:
- Be a NSW resident.
- Be aged 16 years and over.
- Not hold a current driver licence or Proof of Age Card (if you do you will need to surrender your driver licence or Proof of Age Card when you apply for your Photo Card).
- Meet Roads and Maritime Services' (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) standard proof of identity criteria.
How to apply
The Photo Card application form (Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) form 1359) is available from any motor registry (or download it at the bottom of this page). Simply return the completed form to any motor registry with appropriate proof of identity documents, proof of residential address and the administration fee.
Regulation changes were introduced on 30 April 2010 to allow the Photo Card to be issued or replaced free of charge to eligible pensioners, including war widows. Please see the Photo Card Q & A in Related links, above right, to check whether you are eligible.
To ensure the card's legitimacy, applicants must pass a strict proof of identity process. You will be required to produce original documents that prove who you are to Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority). Your current residential address and signature must appear on at least one of these documents. For more information use the related link to Proof of identity.
Keep your card close
Just like a driver licence, your Photo Card holds important personal information about you so be careful who you give your card details to. Only police officers or Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority)-authorised personnel are permitted to seize a card. You should not let any person or business scan your card. Businesses may only take a copy of your card with your permission.
If your Photo Card is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, you must notify Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) in person at any motor registry as soon as possible. You will need to pay a replacement card fee unless you are an eligible pensioner. See Licensing fees in Related links.
Proof of Age Card
The Proof of Age card has been replaced by the NSW Photo Card. New and replacement Proof of Age cards are no longer available. If your Proof of Age Card is lost, stolen or destroyed you can apply for a NSW Photo Card.
From 14 December 2008, Proof of Age cards are no longer valid.