Apply for a NSW Photo Card

A NSW Photo Card may be used as photo identification if you don't have a NSW Driver Licence. It has the same application process as the driver licence, and some of the same security features.

The Photo Card may be accepted as identification in most places a driver licence is recognised, however cannot be used as a form of identification for some online applications.

You can hold both a driver licence and a Photo Card if you wish. You may be able to use the Photo Card to prove your identity in situations not related to driving.

Visit a service centre and apply in person for your Photo Card, and if you apply for or renew your driving licence at the same time, you'll pay a reduced fee.

Note: There are also concessions for pensioners and carers.

You must be:

• a NSW resident
• aged 16 years or over
• able to provide acceptable proof of identity documents.

You may be eligible for a free NSW Photo Card if you have one of the following:

• eligible concessions:
  • NSW Seniors Card
  • NSW Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) issued by Centrelink or Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)
  • DVA Gold card endorsed with: 
  • TPI (Totally & Permanently Incapacitated)
  • EDA (Extreme Disablement Adjustment)
  • war widow/er.
• evidence from the DVA confirming:
  • you receive a disability pension of 70% or higher or an intermediate pension, or
  • you've been assessed at 50 or more impairment points.
• receive the Centrelink Carer Allowance.

• the PDF form – 'NSW Photo Card Application'
• if you don't have a NSW Driver Licence or your expired Photo Card, you'll need:
  • proof of identity documents
  • your proof of signature.
• your concession card details (if applicable)
• your payment (if applicable).

1. Download and complete the NSW Photo Card Application – PDF.
2. Gather your driving licence or expired Photo Card, or the necessary identity documents.
3. Visit a service centre to have your photo taken, and submit your application.

• If you apply for a Photo Card at the same time as you apply for, or renew, your driver licence, you'll pay a reduced fee for the Photo Card.
• The Photo Card is voluntary – you don't have to have one, but if you don't have any other kind of photo identification, you may find it useful. It is valid for 5 years (or 10 years for eligible customers aged 21 and over).
• If you haven’t received your Photo Card through the mail within 10 working days, please call us on 13 77 88.
• There may be some situations where you will not be able to use a NSW Photo Card in place of a NSW Driver Licence. Always check the proof of identity requirements for details.