Introduction
If you do not have photo identification such as a NSW Driver Licence you can use a NSW Photo Card to prove your identity in most places a driver licence is recognised.
Getting a NSW Photo Card is voluntary. It has the same application process as a NSW Driver Licence.
If you cannot visit a service centre
If you have a medical or health condition that prevents you from visiting a Service NSW Centre you can apply for or replace your NSW Photo Card using a photo-kit form.
Apply in person
If you can visit a Service NSW Centre to have your photo taken and submit your application find out how to apply for a NSW Photo Card in person.
Eligibility
You can only use a photo-kit form to apply for or replace a NSW Photo Card if you cannot visit a service centre because of a medical or health condition and:
- are a NSW resident and aged 16 and over
- can provide acceptable proof of identity documents
- previously held a NSW Driver Licence or NSW Photo Card
- have a medical certificate issued by a General Practitioner (GP) or referring specialist stating that you cannot visit a service centre because you have a medical or health condition.
What you need
To apply for or replace your NSW Photo Card using a photo-kit form you need to download and print a PDF.
You can also get a photo-kit form by calling +61 2 8894 1599.
To complete the form you need to provide:
- a colour passport-size photo as detailed on the form
- your proof of identity as detailed on the form
- your NSW residential address
- the letter provided to you by a General Practitioner (GP) or referring specialist.
If applicable you may also need:
- an appropriate witness as described on the form
- photocopy of your concession card
- accepted change of name document as listed on the form.
Change of name
- You must provide a witnessed and certified change-of-name document if your proof of identity documents are in another name because of a name change.
- The accepted change of name documents are listed on the form.
Note: You cannot ask for a name change using a photo-kit form.
How to apply
Prepare your documents
- Select the 'Download PDF form' button.
- Complete the form.
- Gather the necessary documents.
Submit by post
- Attach your supporting documents to the completed form.
- Send your photo-kit application form by post to the address on the form with your fee payment.
Submit in person
- Attach your supporting documents to the completed form.
- Give your photo-kit application form to your representative (such as a relative, friend or carer) to submit your completed application on your behalf at a service centre.
Payment and fees
You need to pay a fee for this service. Complete the credit card authority (Mastercard, Visa or American Express) on the application form. Cash payments are not accepted. Check the amount payable for NSW Photo Card fees.
Note: There is no fee if you are eligible for a free NSW Photo Card.
Free NSW Photo Card eligibility
You may be eligible for a free NSW Photo Card if you have one of the following:
- NSW Seniors Card
- NSW Pensioner Concession Card issued by Services Australia or Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)
- DVA Veteran Gold Card printed with one of the following:
- TPI
- EDA
- War Widow or War Widower
- letter from the DVA confirming one of the following:
- you receive a Disability Compensation Payment at the 70% rate or higher
- you receive a Disability Compensation Payment at the Intermediate rate
- you've been assessed at 50 or more impairment points
- Centrelink Carer Allowance.
What happens next
Processing may take 3 to 4 weeks.
Your NSW Photo Card will be sent by standard post to your NSW address or mailing address if different.
Using a NSW Photo Card
The NSW Photo Card has the same security features as the NSW Driver Licence and shows your name, address, date of birth and photo.
You cannot use a NSW Photo Card as identification or in place of a NSW Driver Licence in certain situations, including some online applications. Always check the proof of identity requirements for details.
The NSW Photo Card is for residents of NSW and is valid for:
- 5 years – standard
- 10 years – for eligible customers aged 21 and over.
You cannot renew a NSW Photo Card but when your card expires you can apply for a new one.
Contact
If you need help with your application:
- complete the online enquiry form
- call 13 77 88 between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Friday.
If you need to follow up after you submit your application you can contact the Photo Kit Unit by sending an email to photokitunit@service.nsw.gov.au