Ontario · Identity and documents
Photo ID card in Ontario: how to get one
Compiled by Mahmoud Halat, checked
Short answer
Ontario residents 16 and older who do not have a driver's licence can get an Ontario Photo Card at a ServiceOntario centre. Bring original ID that proves your legal name and date of birth. It costs $35, arrives by mail in 4 to 6 weeks, and is valid for 5 years. You cannot hold a Photo Card and a driver's licence at the same time.
Who handles it
Handles it in Ontario.
Apply in person at ServiceOntario; you cannot hold a driver's licence and a Photo Card at the same time.
Official link
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 Photo Card if you live in Ontario, are 16 or older, and do not have a driver's licence.
Source: ontario.cachecked #
Steps
You can renew online if you do not need a new photo. A new photo is required every 10 years, and then you must renew in person.
Source: ontario.cachecked #
What you need
Bring original identity documents, such as a birth certificate, that prove your legal name and date of birth. Bring your marriage certificate too if you are applying under your married name.
Source: ontario.cachecked #
How long it takes
The card is mailed to you within 4 to 6 weeks and is valid for 5 years.
Source: ontario.cachecked #
Where to go
First-time applications are made in person at a ServiceOntario centre, where you may be able to book an appointment.
Source: ontario.cachecked #
Good to know
You must give up any driver's licence or other photo ID card when you apply, and it will be cancelled. Getting a licence again later may mean retaking all the tests.
Source: ontario.cachecked #
The Photo Card works as ID for daily business and for travel within Canada, but not for international travel.
Source: ontario.cachecked #
Questions people ask
How much is an Ontario Photo Card?
It costs $35 to get or renew. In person you can pay by Visa, Mastercard, debit, cash or certified cheque. Online renewals take Visa and Mastercard only.
Source: ontario.cachecked #
Can I have an Ontario Photo Card and a driver's licence?
No. You cannot hold both at the same time. Applying for a Photo Card cancels your driver's licence, and applying for a licence cancels your Photo Card.
Source: ontario.cachecked #
How long does it take to get an Ontario Photo Card?
The card arrives by mail in about 4 to 6 weeks after you apply or renew.
Source: ontario.cachecked #
Can I apply for an Ontario Photo Card online?
Not the first time. You apply in person at ServiceOntario. Renewals can be done online if you do not need a new photo.
Source: ontario.cachecked #
In every province and territory
The same service across Canada: who handles it and the official link. Ontario 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 | |
| OntarioThis page | 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 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 Ontario: how to get one", checked 13 October 2026, https://canadaservicemap.ca/services/photo-id-card/ontario