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 and security features as the driver licence, and may be accepted as identification in most places a driver licence is recognised.

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.