Q. If I don't have a driver licence. Do I have to get a NSW Photo Card?
A. No, the NSW Photo Card is a voluntary card.
Q. What does the NSW Photo Card look like?
A. The NSW Photo Card has a different design than a driver licence, but it is the same size and has similar security features.
Q. How long will my NSW Photo Card be valid?
The NSW Photo Card is valid for five years. There are no refunds if you hand in your NSW Photo Card before it expires.
Q. Where can I use my NSW Photo Card?
A. The NSW Photo Card has the same application process and security as the NSW driver licence, so should be accepted by businesses everywhere a licence is accepted. Roads and Maritime Services has written to a large number of service organisations to tell them about the NSW Photo Card.
Q. Are there any concessions for the NSW Photo Card?
A. Yes. The NSW Photo Card is issued or replaced free of charge to eligible pensioners, including war widows. From 26 November 2012, the NSW Photo Card is also issued or replaced free of charge to holders of NSW Seniors Cards, and people who receive a Carer Allowance from the Australian Government.
If you are giving up driving for medical or advanced age re-testing reasons, your first NSW Photo Card will be free if you surrender your current NSW driver licence, or one that was cancelled or expired within the last two years. Unless you are an eligible pensioner, carer or NSW Seniors Card holder, you will still have to pay for all subsequent NSW Photo Cards, including any replacements for lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed cards.
Q. Am I eligible for a concession on my NSW Photo Card?
A. See pensioner concessions for information on eligibility for pensioners.
If you receive a Carer Allowance from the Department of Human Services - Centrelink, or hold a NSW Seniors Card issued by the Department of Family and Community Services, you may be eligible for the concession. Interstate seniors cards are not acceptable.
Your concession status will be validated online with the Department of Human Services - Centrelink or the Department of Family and Community Services, as appropriate.
Q. I am eligible for a concession. Can I apply for a refund of the fee I paid for my NSW Photo Card?
A. You can apply for a full or pro-rata refund if:
- You have become an eligible pensioner during the validity period of your NSW Photo Card, provided your card was issued on or after 17 December 2009.
- You have become the holder of a NSW Seniors Card, or the receipient of a Carer Allowance from the Department of Human Services - Centrelink, provided your NSW Photo Card was issued on or after 26 November 2012.
Please note: The refund provided with a NSW Seniors Card is calculated from the date the Seniors Card is recorded with Roads and Maritime Services.
Q. What do I need to apply for a refund?
You must go to a registry in person and show an acceptable entitlement document. Your pensioner status will be verified electronically with the relevant issuing authority.
Q. What do I do if my NSW Photo Card is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed?
A. You must notify Roads and Maritime Services in person at any registry as soon as practicable. You will need to pay a replacement card fee unless you are eligible for a concession.
Q. Can I have a driver licence and a NSW Photo Card?
A. No, you will need to surrender your NSW Photo Card before Roads and Maritime Services will issue you a driver licence.
Q. How do I change my address with Roads and Maritime Services?
A. You need to notify Roads and Maritime Services of your new address within 14 days of moving. You can change your address online at myRTA.com, by phoning 13 22 13 or in person at any registry.