NSW Photo Card
The NSW Photo Card provides photo identification for people who do not hold a current NSW driver licence, or any other form of photo identification. It shows who you are, and gives you access to a number of everyday services, such as opening bank accounts or entering licensed premises.
On this page
About the NSW Photo Card
Eligibility
How to apply
Fees and concessions
Renewing your NSW Photo Card
Replacing your NSW Photo Card
About the NSW Photo Card
The NSW Photo Card is voluntary – you are not required to have one, however if you don’t hold any other form of photo identification, you may find the card useful.
The NSW Photo Card shows your name, address, date of birth and photo. It’s valid for five years, or 10 years for eligible customers aged 21 years or over. Although the design is different, it’s the same size, and has the same security features, as a NSW driver licence card.
Because the NSW Photo Card has the same application process and security features as a driver licence, you should be able to use it everywhere that accepts a driver licence as photo identification.
Note: You cannot hold both a NSW driver/rider licence and a NSW Photo Card.
Eligibility
To apply for a NSW Photo Card, you must:
Be a NSW resident
Be aged 16 years or over
Not hold a current driver or rider licence (if you do, you need to hand in your licence when you apply for your NSW Photo Card)
Provide acceptable proof of identity.
How to apply
Plan ahead - your card may be posted to you
We’re changing the way we print and issue photocards. At certain locations, when you apply for or renew a NSW Photo Card, your card will be posted to you at no extra cost. More information about centralised photocard printing.
You can apply for a NSW Photo Card by completing the Photo Card application form (PDF, 329Kb) and visiting any registry or service centre with your proof of identity and address documents, and payment for the NSW Photo Card fee, unless you're eligible for a concession.
Once you pay the fee (if required), your photo will be taken. Depending on which location you attend, your card will either be handed over the counter, or posted to you.
Fees and concessions
See Fees for the current NSW Photo Card fee.
If you:
Decide you're no longer able to drive, or
Are advised by your doctor to give up driving, or
Fail an advanced age driving test, or
Fail a Roads and Maritime medical examination
your first NSW Photo Card will be issued free of charge, provided your driver licence is current, or expired within the last two years.
After that, you’ll need to pay the fee for each new card you request, including renewals and replacements.
A NSW Photo Card is issued or replaced free of charge for:
Eligible concession card holders, including war widows
People who receive a Centrelink Carer Allowance
NSW Seniors Card holders.
Note: Eligibility for concession is validated electronically with Centrelink or the Department of Family and Community Services.
Refunds for new concession holders
If you become an eligible concession card holder, carer or NSW Seniors Card holder while you hold a valid NSW Photo Card, you can apply for a pro-rata refund of the fee you paid, if:
You became an eligible pensioner and your NSW Photo Card was issued on, or after 17 December 2009. The refund will be back-dated to the grant date of the concession
You began receiving the Centrelink Carer Allowance and your NSW Photo Card was issued on, or after 26 November 2012. The refund will be back-dated to the grant date of the allowance
You became a NSW Seniors Card holder and your NSW Photo Card was issued on, or after 26 November 2012. Important: The refund will be calculated from the date you notify Roads and Maritime Services that you hold a Seniors Card.
Visit any registry or service centre and take your concession card, Centrelink Carer Allowance or Seniors Card to apply for a refund. Your eligibility will be validated electronically with the relevant issuing authority.
Renewing your NSW Photo Card
Plan ahead - your card may be posted to you
We’re changing the way we print and issue photocards. At certain locations, when you apply for or renew a NSW Photo Card, your card will be posted to you at no extra cost. More information about centralised photocard printing.
Your NSW Photo Card is valid for five years (or ten years for eligible customers aged 21 or over). Roads and Maritime will send you a reminder notice around six weeks before your card’s expiry date. Your new Photo Card will expire five or ten years from the date of reissue. You need to attend a registry or service centre in person, so that your identity can be verified and a new photo taken.
You’ll need to complete a new Photo Card application form (PDF, 329Kb) and provide your existing card, or other acceptable documents, as proof of your identity.
Once you pay the required fee (unless you’re eligible for a concession), your photo will be taken. Depending on which location you atte