If you have recently arrived in Ontario and do not hold a Canadian driver’s licence, the Ontario Photo Card gives you a government-issued photo ID that works across the province. Banks, pharmacies, domestic airlines, and government offices all accept it. For newcomers who are still settling in and not yet ready to drive, this card fills a gap that can otherwise make everyday tasks surprisingly difficult.
The Ontario Photo Card is issued by ServiceOntario under the Photo Card Act, 2008. It costs $35 CAD and remains valid for five years from the date of issue.
Who Is Eligible for an Ontario Photo Card?
You can apply for an Ontario Photo Card if you meet three conditions:
- You are at least 16 years old
- You are a resident of Ontario
- You do not currently hold a valid Ontario driver’s licence
That third point is significant. Ontario does not allow you to carry both an Ontario driver’s licence and a Photo Card at the same time. If you hold a valid Ontario driver’s licence and want a Photo Card instead, you must surrender the licence when you apply.
Canadian citizenship or permanent residency is not required. Temporary residents, including international students on Study Permits and workers on Work Permits, are eligible to apply. This makes the Ontario Photo Card one of the most accessible forms of provincial government ID for newcomers who are still in the early stages of their immigration journey.
What Documents Do You Need?
ServiceOntario requires original documents to verify your legal name, date of birth, and signature. The specific documents accepted depend on your immigration status.
For Permanent Residents
- Permanent Resident Card (with or without signature)
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292)
- Record of Landing (IMM 1000)
- Valid passport from your country of origin
You will typically need to present your Permanent Resident Card alongside your foreign passport. If your primary identification document does not contain your signature, ServiceOntario will ask for a secondary document that does, or you can provide a Declaration from a Guarantor.
For Temporary Residents
- Study Permit (IMM 1442)
- Work Permit or Employment Authorization (IMM 1442)
- Visitor Record (IMM 1442)
- Temporary Resident Permit
Pair any of these with a valid foreign passport. If you arrived on a study permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), bring both the permit and your passport to ServiceOntario.
For Canadian Citizens
- Canadian passport
- Canadian Citizenship Card (with photo)
- Canadian birth certificate
- United States birth certificate (for Canadian citizens born in the U.S.)
Proof of Ontario Address
Every applicant must also provide one document proving they live in Ontario. Accepted documents include:
- Residential lease or rental agreement
- Utility bill (electricity, gas, water, or internet) dated within the last 60 days
- Bank statement or financial institution correspondence
- CRA Notice of Assessment or tax correspondence showing your Ontario address
Bring originals. ServiceOntario does not accept photocopies.
How to Apply for Your Ontario Photo Card
Your first Ontario Photo Card must be obtained in person at a ServiceOntario centre. You cannot apply online or by mail for the initial card.
Step 1: Locate a ServiceOntario centre near you. The ServiceOntario locations page lists every office across the province, from downtown Toronto locations on College Street to centres in Ottawa, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, and smaller communities. Some locations accept walk-ins; others require appointments.
Step 2: Bring your original identity documents and proof of Ontario address. Do not bring photocopies. Staff at ServiceOntario will verify your documents and return the originals to you.
Step 3: Have your photo taken at the ServiceOntario centre. You do not need to bring a separate photo. The centre takes a standardized photo on site.
Step 4: Pay the $35 CAD fee. ServiceOntario accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit cards (Interac), and certified cheques. Cash is accepted at most locations, but confirm with your local centre before visiting.
Step 5: Wait for delivery. Your Ontario Photo Card arrives by standard mail within four to six weeks. ServiceOntario mails it to the Ontario address you provided during your application.
How to Renew Your Ontario Photo Card
The Ontario Photo Card expires every five years. Renewal costs $35 CAD, the same as the original application.
If your photo on file is less than 10 years old, you can renew online through the ServiceOntario renewal portal. Online renewal is faster and does not require a visit to a ServiceOntario centre.
If your photo is 10 years old or older, you must visit a ServiceOntario centre in person to take a new photo. This is a security requirement tied to the photo’s validity period.
You can also update personal information on your Ontario Photo Card (such as your name after a marriage, or a new address) online, in person at ServiceOntario, or by mail.
Where Can You Use an Ontario Photo Card?
The Ontario Photo Card is accepted as government-issued identification across Canada. Common uses include:
- Opening a bank account: Major Canadian banks, including the top banks in Canada, accept government-issued provincial photo ID for opening a bank account
- Domestic air travel: The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) accepts the Ontario Photo Card for domestic flights in Canada
- Via Rail and intercity bus travel: Accepted for ticket purchases and age verification
- Age verification: The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) lists the Ontario Photo Card as acceptable age verification ID for purchases at the LCBO, Beer Store, cannabis retailers, bars, and restaurants
- Government services: Accepted at Service Canada centres and CRA offices as a provincial government-issued photo ID, including when applying for a SIN
- Healthcare enrolment: Can support your application for an OHIP card, though OHIP has its own eligibility requirements
The Ontario Photo Card cannot be used for international travel. It is not a passport and is not accepted at Canadian or foreign borders. If you need identification for crossing the U.S.-Canada border or travelling internationally, you will need a valid passport or an enhanced document such as a NEXUS card.
Why the Ontario Photo Card Matters for Newcomers
Arriving in Ontario without a driver’s licence can leave you without a reliable way to prove who you are. Banks may hesitate to open accounts with only a foreign passport. Picking up a registered parcel at Canada Post requires government-issued photo ID. Even signing a lease may require identification your landlord recognizes.
The Ontario Photo Card solves this. It is a provincial government-issued document that Canadian institutions recognise immediately. For newcomers who plan to rely on the TTC, GO Transit, OC Transpo, or other public transit networks instead of driving, this card removes a barrier that comes up more often than most people expect. If you do plan to drive eventually, you can learn about the Ontario driver’s licence process and surrender your Photo Card at that point.
If you are a newcomer on a Study Permit attending a university or college in Ontario, or a worker on a work visa in Canada with a Canadian employer, the Ontario Photo Card gives you a single, recognised document for everyday identification needs while you settle in. For a broader checklist of what to handle when you first arrive, see our moving checklist for Ontario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have both an Ontario Photo Card and an Ontario driver’s licence?
No. Ontario law does not allow you to hold both at the same time. If you apply for a driver’s licence after obtaining a Photo Card, you must surrender the Photo Card. The reverse is also true.
How long does it take to receive my Ontario Photo Card?
ServiceOntario processes applications within four to six weeks. Your card is mailed to your Ontario address by standard mail. There is no expedited processing option available at this time.
Can I use my Ontario Photo Card to fly within Canada?
Yes. CATSA accepts the Ontario Photo Card as valid identification for domestic flights. You cannot use it for international flights, where a passport is required.
Do I need to be a Canadian citizen to get an Ontario Photo Card?
No. Permanent residents and temporary residents (including those on Study Permits, Work Permits, and Visitor Records) are eligible. You must be at least 16, live in Ontario, and not hold a valid Ontario driver’s licence.
What if my identity document does not have a signature?
If your primary ID does not include your signature, ServiceOntario requires a secondary document with your signature, or a completed Declaration from a Guarantor form.