Ontario Photo Card Application – Step-by-Step Guide
✅ Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
You can apply if:
You’re 16 years or older
A resident of Ontario
Do not hold a valid Ontario driver’s license
Have valid immigration status (study permit, PR, etc.)
🗂️ Step 2: Gather Required Original Documents
You need three separate original documents that show the following:
| Requirement | Examples |
|---|---|
| Legal Name | Passport, Indian Passport, PR Card |
| Date of Birth | Study Permit, Passport |
| Signature | Passport, Bank Card, PR Card |
| Ontario Address | Rental agreement, bank letter, college-issued address proof |
📌 Same document cannot be used for more than one category.
Use the Ontario ID Document Checklist to ensure eligibility.
🏢 Step 3: Visit a ServiceOntario Centre
Go in person to any ServiceOntario Centre
Bring your original documents
🕒 No appointment needed for most locations.
🖋️ Step 4: Complete the Application
Fill out the Ontario Photo Card application form (available at the center)
A staff member will help verify your documents
They will take your photo and signature digitally
💳 Step 5: Pay the Fee
Fee: $35 CAD
Payable by debit, credit, or cash (varies by location)
🧾 Step 6: Receive Temporary Slip
You will receive a temporary confirmation slip as proof of ID
Valid until your card arrives
📬 Step 7: Receive Your Ontario Photo Card by Mail
Card is delivered by mail within 4–6 weeks
Sent to your Ontario mailing address
📝 Summary Checklist
✅ Be 16+ years old
✅ Do not hold an Ontario driver’s license
✅ Gather 3 valid ID documents
✅ Visit a ServiceOntario center
✅ Apply, pay, and get photo taken
✅ Wait 4–6 weeks for card
❓ 1. What is the Ontario Photo Card?
The Ontario Photo Card is a government-issued photo ID for Ontario residents who do not have a driver’s license.
It is used as valid ID for travel, banking, and other official purposes.
❓ 2. Can international or NRI students apply for it?
✅ Yes. If you:
Are 16 years or older
Live in Ontario
Do not have a driver’s license
Have a valid study permit or work permit
❓ 3. How much does it cost?
💰 The fee is $35 CAD for 5 years.
This fee must be paid at the time of application at ServiceOntario.
❓ 4. Where can I apply for the card?
You must apply in person at any ServiceOntario Centre.
They will take your photo and verify your documents on the spot.
❓ 5. What documents do I need?
You need three original documents:
Proof of legal name
Proof of date of birth
Proof of signature
Proof of Ontario address
📌 You must provide three separate documents that together cover all of the above. You cannot reuse the same document for multiple categories.
❓ 6. Can I use my passport or study permit as ID proof?
Yes:
Your passport can be used for legal name, DOB, and signature (only one category per doc)
Your study permit can be used for DOB or name
❓ 7. Do I get the card right away?
No. You will receive a temporary receipt immediately, but the official card is mailed to your address within 4–6 weeks.
❓ 8. Can I hold both an Ontario driver’s license and a Photo Card?
❌ No. You can only have one or the other, not both.
❓ 9. Is this ID valid across Canada?
✅ Yes, it is valid as government-issued ID across Canada — for banks, trains, domestic flights, age verification, and more.
❓ 10. Can I renew it after 5 years?
✅ Yes. You can renew your Ontario Photo Card at ServiceOntario with new documents and pay the renewal fee.