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 Photo Card has a different design than a driver licence, but it has a similar layout and security features.
Q. Where can I use my Photo Card?
A. The 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 (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) has written to a large number of service organisations to tell them about the new Photo Card.
Q. Are there any concessions for the NSW Photo Card?
A. Yes. Regulation changes were introduced on 30 April 2010 to allow the NSW Photo Card to be issued or replaced free of charge to eligible pensioners, including war widows.
If you are giving up driving for medical or advanced age re-testing reasons, your first 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, you will still have to pay for all subsequent Photo Cards, including any replacements for lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed cards.
Q. Am I eligible for the pensioner concession?
A. See pensioner concessions for information on eligibility.
Q. I am a pensioner. Can I apply for a refund of the fee I paid for my photo card?
A. You can apply for a full or pro-rata refund if you obtained your Photo Card on or after 17 December 2009 and:
- you were an eligible pensioner when you applied for your photo card or
- you have become an eligible pensioner during the validity period of your photo card
Q. What do I need to apply for a refund?
You must go to the motor registry in person and show an acceptable entitlement document. Your pensioner status must be verified electronically with Centrelink.
Q. How long will my Photo Card be valid?
A. The Photo Card is valid for five years. There are no refunds should you hand in your Photo Card before it expires.
Q. What do I do if my Photo Card is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed?
A. You must notify Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) in person at any motor registry as soon as practicable. You will need to pay a replacement card fee unless you are an eligible pensioner.
Q. Can I have a driver licence and a Photo Card?
A. No, you will need to surrender your Photo Card before Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) will issue you a driver licence.
Q. How do I change my address with Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority)?
A. You need to notify Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) 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 motor registry.