What Is an Ontario Photo Card
The Ontario Photo Card is a wallet-sized card issued by ServiceOntario to Ontario residents who do not have a driver's licence. According to the official page, it makes it easier for residents without a driver's licence to do things such as open a bank account and any other activities that require official identification.
The official page lists these uses:
- Day-to-day business transactions as proof of identity
- Travel within Canada as proof of identity
The page states clearly: you cannot use an Ontario Photo Card for international travel.
Eligibility
To apply in person at a ServiceOntario centre, the official page states you must:
- Not have a driver's licence
- Be a resident of Ontario (not a visitor)
- Be 16 years of age or older
What You Need to Bring
When applying at a ServiceOntario centre, the official page requires:
- Original identity documents (for example, birth certificate) to prove your legal name and date of birth
- Your marriage certificate, if you are applying under your married name
If You Have a Driver's Licence or Photo ID
The official page states you cannot have an Ontario Photo Card and a driver's licence or a photo ID card from Ontario or another province, state or country at the same time.
You must surrender your existing Ontario driver's licence, foreign driver's licence or photo identification card when applying for an Ontario Photo Card.
If you ever had an Ontario driver's licence, even if it is suspended or cancelled, you must inform ServiceOntario. The page states that if you do not, it may take longer to get your Ontario Photo Card.
If you have an Ontario Photo Card and apply for a driver's licence, you must give up your Ontario Photo Card and it will be cancelled. The page states you may need to take all the tests and go through the full driver's licence application process.
If you have a driver's licence and want to get an Ontario Photo Card, you must give up your driver's licence and it will be cancelled. The page states that if you want to re-apply for your Ontario driver's licence later, you may need to take all the tests, serve mandatory wait times and wait for your licence to be processed.
Cost and Delivery
The official page lists:
- Cost: $35 to get or renew your Ontario Photo Card
- Delivery: 4 to 6 weeks by mail
- Validity: 5 years
Payment options listed:
- In person: Visa, Mastercard, debit, cash, certified cheque
- Online: Visa and Mastercard
Photo Requirements
The official page states the photo on your Ontario Photo Card must meet certain standards:
- Your whole face must be completely visible
- Nothing can block your face; your hair should not cover your eyes
- Keep a neutral and relaxed expression; do not smile
- Look straight at the camera; do not tilt your head
You can wear headwear for religious or medical reasons but it must not cover your face. You may be asked to remove things like hats, eyeglasses or headphones before your photo is taken. The page states that if the photo does not meet the required standards, you may be asked to return to have your photo retaken.
Renewal
An Ontario Photo Card is valid for 5 years, after which time it must be renewed.
You can renew online if you do not need a new photo. The page states you are required to get a new photo every 10 years, and if you are due for a new photo, you must renew in person at a ServiceOntario centre.
To renew you will need to:
- Pay a renewal fee of $35
- Provide an additional piece of ID (only if your Ontario Photo Card is expired)
The page notes: the online renewal service only accepts Visa and Mastercard at this time.
Where to Apply
Applications and in-person renewals are done at a ServiceOntario centre. The page states you may be able to book an appointment ahead of your visit.
The page also states that if you are unable to visit a ServiceOntario centre for a medical reason, accommodations are available. Call ServiceOntario for more information.
Other Services
The official page also lists:
- Change your address: online, in person at a ServiceOntario centre, or by mailing a written request to ServiceOntario, P.O. Box 9200, Kingston, ON K7L 5K4
- Change your height: must visit a ServiceOntario centre; bring nothing other than your card
- Change or correct your date of birth: must visit a ServiceOntario centre and bring one of the specified documents listed by the government
- Change your sex designation: from M to F or F to M, bring an original valid birth certificate; to change to X, no supporting documents are required
- Retake your photo: if you are unsatisfied with your photo, you can have a new one taken at a ServiceOntario centre for $10
- Replace a lost, stolen or damaged card: complete the application form at a ServiceOntario centre and provide proof of legal name and date of birth; the cost is $10
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