Ontario Photo Card
The Ontario Photo Card is a wallet-sized card that provides government-issued identification to residents of Ontario who do not have a driver’s licence, making it easier for them to do things such as open a bank account and any other activities that require official identification.
$35 fee
Your new Ontario Photo Card will arrive in the mail within 4 to 6 weeks
Valid for 5 years
You must renew your Ontario Photo Card every 5 years
What you need to know
Ontario Photo Cards can be used:
- for day-to-day business transactions
- as proof of identity for travel within Canada
Note: you cannot use an Ontario Photo Card for international travel. Learn more about travelling outside of Canada.
If you have a driver’s licence or a photo ID card
- 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.
When you apply for an Ontario Photo Card
- You need to inform ServiceOntario if you ever had an Ontario driver’s licence, even if it is suspended or cancelled.
- If you don’t, 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Get an Ontario Photo Card
You can apply for an Ontario Photo Card in person at a ServiceOntario centre if you:
- do not have a driver’s licence
- are a resident of Ontario (not a visitor)
- are 16 years of age or older
You will need to bring the following to a ServiceOntario centre:
- 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
You may be able to book an appointment ahead of your visit.
Note: If you have a driver’s licence and want to get an Ontario Photo Card, you must give up your licence. Your driver’s licence will be cancelled when you apply for your Photo Card. If you wish to re-apply for your Ontario driver’s licence, you may be subject to all tests and wait periods.
Renew your Ontario Photo Card
An Ontario Photo Card is valid for 5 years, after which time it must be renewed.
You can renew online if you don’t need a new photo. 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)
Online
Renew your Ontario Photo Card now
Note: The online renewal service only accepts Visa and Mastercard at this time.
Sign up for renewal reminders
Never forget to renew again!
Sign up to get free reminders by email, text message, or phone call when it's time to renew your Ontario Photo Card.
Manage your Ontario Photo Card with an account
Create an account with ServiceOntario that can:
- manage your Ontario products and services
- view a history of your orders
- get notifications and alerts
Create or log in to an account
In-person
You may be able to book an appointment ahead of your visit.
Medical Exemptions
If you are unable to visit a ServiceOntario centre for a medical reason, accommodations are available. Please call ServiceOntario for more information.
Cost and delivery
Cost
$35 to get or renew your Ontario Photo Card.
Payment options
In person: Visa, Mastercard, debit, cash, certified cheque
Online: Visa and Mastercard
Delivery
4 to 6 weeks by mail
Photos
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.
If the photo does not meet the required standards, you may be asked to return to have your photo retaken.
Change the address on your Ontario Photo Card
You can change your address on your Ontario Photo Card:
- online
- in person at a ServiceOntario centre with your Ontario Photo Card
- by mailing a written request to:
ServiceOntario
P.O. Box 9200
Kingston, ON
K7L 5K4
You must include your:
- full name
- Ontario Photo Card number
- current address
- new address
Manage your Ontario Photo Card with an account
Create an account with ServiceOntario that can:
- manage your Ontario products and services
- view a history of your orders
- get notifications and alerts
Change the information on your Ontario Photo Card
You can now add French characters (for example, ç, è, é, ê, ë) to your Ontario Photo Card.
Height
To change the height on your Ontario Photo Card, you must visit a ServiceOntario centre. You do not need to bring anything other than your card.
Date of birth
To change or correct the date of birth on your Ontario Photo Card, you must visit a ServiceOntario centre and bring one of the following:
- birth certificate (Note: Quebec birth certificates issued before January 1, 1994 are not accepted)
- certified copy of statement of live birth (government issued)
- Canadian citizenship card with photo
- Canadian certificate of Indian Status
- Permanent resident card
- Permanent resident form (IMM5292) (must be accompanied by a valid foreign passport)
- Record of landing (IMM 1000) (must be valid and cannot be laminated)
Reclaim a traditional Indigenous name
If you are a Survivor of a residential school, you, and your family can reclaim your Indigenous name.
Learn more about reclaiming your traditional Indigenous name
French characters
To add French characters (for example, ç, è, é, ê, ë) on your Ontario Photo Card, you need to bring proof of your legal name with the characters according to the list of accepted original identity documents.
Change the sex designation on your Ontario Photo Card
Change from M to F or F to M
To change the sex designation on your Ontario Photo Card from male (M) to female (F) or female (F) to male (M), go to a ServiceOntario centre near you and bring an original, valid long or short form birth certificate.
Change from M or F to X
To change the sex designation on your Ontario Photo Card (OPC) to an X (gender neutral), visit a ServiceOntario centre. You do not have to bring any supporting documents.
Learn more about changing your sex designation.
Retake the photo on your Ontario Photo Card
If you are unsatisfied with the photo on your Ontario Photo Card, you can have a new photo taken at a ServiceOntario centre.
The cost for this service is $10.
Replace your lost, stolen or damaged Ontario Photo Card
To replace a lost, stolen or damaged Ontario Photo Card, you must complete the Ontario Photo Card application form available at a ServiceOntario centre and provide proof of:
- legal name
- date of birth
The cost for this service is $10.