Nova Scotia · Identity and documents
Photo ID card in Nova Scotia: how to get one
Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked
Short answer
Anyone in Nova Scotia, including children, can get a Nova Scotia Photo Identification Card as proof of age and identity. Apply in person at a Registry of Motor Vehicles office or Access Nova Scotia location with original ID documents, and have your photo taken. The card costs $17.70, arrives by mail within 14 calendar days, and is valid for 5 years.
Who handles it
Registry of Motor Vehicles (Service Nova Scotia)
Handles it in Nova Scotia.
Apply in person at an Access Nova Scotia RMV office.
Official link
Canada Service Map is independent and not a government website. The official page always has the final word.
Who can apply
Anyone in Nova Scotia, children included, can get the card as proof of age or as photo ID.
Source: novascotia.cachecked #
What you need
Show original documents proving your age and name. You need one primary document and two secondary documents, and some documents, like a valid Canadian passport, count for all three.
Source: novascotia.cachecked #
Cost
The card costs $17.70, with no tax. A replacement card or a name change also costs $17.70. Changing your address on file is free.
Source: novascotia.cachecked #
How long it takes
If your application is approved, the card is mailed to you within 14 calendar days of your office visit.
Source: novascotia.cachecked #
The card is valid for 5 years. You can reapply at any time, and you may not need ID again if your identity can be confirmed from the photo on record.
Source: novascotia.cachecked #
Where to go
You must apply in person at a Registry of Motor Vehicles office or an Access Nova Scotia location, where your photo is taken. Forms are available at any Registry customer service centre.
Source: novascotia.cachecked #
Questions people ask
How much is a photo ID card in Nova Scotia?
A Nova Scotia Photo Identification Card costs $17.70, and no tax is charged. A replacement card costs the same.
Source: novascotia.cachecked #
How long does it take to get a Nova Scotia photo ID card?
If everything is approved, the card arrives by mail within 14 calendar days of your visit to an Access Nova Scotia or Registry of Motor Vehicles office.
Source: novascotia.cachecked #
How long is a Nova Scotia photo ID card valid?
It is valid for 5 years, after which it expires. You can reapply at any time.
Source: novascotia.cachecked #
Can I apply for a Nova Scotia photo ID card online?
No. The application must be made in person so your photo can be taken, along with your identification documents.
Source: novascotia.cachecked #
In every province and territory
The same service across Canada: who handles it and the official link. Nova Scotia 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 ScotiaThis page | 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 Territories | 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 Nova Scotia: how to get one", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/photo-id-card/nova-scotia