Northwest Territories · Identity and documents
Photo ID card in Northwest Territories: how to get one
Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked
Short answer
The Northwest Territories issues a general identification card to anyone 12 or older. Apply in person at a driver and vehicle office with the completed form, proof of your name, birth date and photo ID, and proof of NWT residency. A new card costs $54 and arrives by mail in 4 to 6 weeks. Cards last five years and can be renewed online.
Who handles it
Driver and Vehicle Services (Department of Infrastructure, Government of the Northwest Territories)
Handles it in Northwest Territories.
Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.
Who can apply
You can get a general identification card if you are 12 or older.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
Steps
Renew online from 90 days before the card expires up to two years after. You can also renew or replace in person with the completed form and photo ID.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
What you need
Bring the completed form, proof of your legal name, date of birth and acceptable photo ID such as a birth certificate or passport, and proof that you live in the NWT.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
Cost
A new card costs $54. Renewal costs $54, or $28 for seniors 60 and over. A replacement costs $33, or $16 for seniors.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
How long it takes
Your card arrives by mail within 4 to 6 weeks.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
Cards are valid for five years. For foreign nationals who are not permanent residents, the card expires on the date their work permit ends.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
Where to go
A first card is only issued in person at a driver and vehicle office.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
Questions people ask
How much is a general ID card in the NWT?
A new general identification card costs $54. A renewal costs $54, or $28 for seniors 60 and over.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
Can I renew my NWT ID card online?
Yes. You can renew online starting 90 days before the expiry date and up to two years after it expires. Replacement is also available online.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
How long does it take to get an NWT general ID card?
The card is mailed to you and should arrive within 4 to 6 weeks, whether it is new, renewed in person or replaced.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
How old do you have to be to get an ID card in the NWT?
You must be at least 12 years old.
Source: idmv.inf.gov.nt.cachecked #
In every province and territory
The same service across Canada: who handles it and the official link. Northwest Territories is marked.
| Province or territory | Who handles it | Official link | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Columbia | ICBC (BC Identification card) | Apply for a BCIDchecked | Apply in person at an ICBC driver licensing office. |
| Alberta | Alberta registry agents (Government of Alberta) | Get an ID cardchecked | Apply or renew in person at any registry agent office. |
| Saskatchewan | SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance) | Get a photo ID cardchecked | |
| Manitoba | Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) | Apply for an ID cardchecked | |
| Ontario | ServiceOntario | Get an Ontario Photo Cardchecked | Apply in person at ServiceOntario; you cannot hold a driver's licence and a Photo Card at the same time. |
| Quebec | Not offered in Quebec | None on record | Québec does not issue a non-driver photo identification card. |
| New Brunswick | Service New Brunswick | Get a photo ID cardchecked | Apply in person at a Service New Brunswick centre. |
| Nova Scotia | Registry of Motor Vehicles (Service Nova Scotia) | Photo ID card informationchecked | Apply in person at an Access Nova Scotia RMV office. |
| Prince Edward Island | Access PEI (Government of PEI) | None on record | Apply in person for a voluntary ID card at an Access PEI office. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Motor Registration Division (Government Services, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador) | Get a photo ID cardchecked | |
| Yukon | Motor Vehicles (Government of Yukon) | None on record | The Yukon general identification card is issued through Motor Vehicles offices. |
| Northwest TerritoriesThis page | Driver and Vehicle Services (Department of Infrastructure, Government of the Northwest Territories) | Get a general ID cardchecked | |
| Nunavut | Motor Vehicles Division (Government of Nunavut) | General identification cardchecked |
Cite this page
Canada Service Map, "Photo ID card in Northwest Territories: how to get one", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/photo-id-card/northwest-territories