Photo identification requirements differ between States and Territories.
11 April 2025
Having photo identification or ID may be a requirement for official paperwork and to access services. It can be especially important for people with disability who need to prove their identity to access supports.
Many people don’t have a driver’s license or passport. In each state or territory of Australia, it is possible to obtain photo identification however every state and territory has different cards available.
New South Wales (NSW)
In NSW you can access the NSW Photo card from Service NSW. You must be a NSW resident and be able to provide proof of identity documents showing your full name and day, month and year of birth.
The cost of the photo card varies however some pensions or allowances entitle you to a free photo card. For more information https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-for-a-nsw-photo-card
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
In the ACT you can get a Proof of Identity Card through Access Canberra. To obtain one you must be able to provide 3 forms of identification which may include a birth certificate, Medicare card and pension card. The Proof of Identity Card costs $8. For more information https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/identity/proof-of-identity-and-residency/proof-of-identity-cards#Apply-for-a-Proof-of-identity-card
Tasmania (TAS)
In TAS you can get a Personal Information Card through Service Tasmania. You must attend a Service Tasmania centre with your completed application form and sign the statutory declaration section in front of a Service Tasmania customer service consultant. You will also need 3 forms of identification which may include a birth certificate, Medicare card or credit/debit card. The Personal Information Card costs $29.70. For more information https://www.service.tas.gov.au/services/me-and-my-identity/personal-information-card/apply-for-renew-or-replace-a-personal-information-card
Western Australia (WA)
In WA you can get a WA Photo Card through Government of Western Australia, Department of Transport. You will need 5 identification documents that show your full name, date of birth, and current address and at least one must have a signature.
The cost of the WA Photo card varies however some people are entitled to a free photo card if they are on an aged pension. For more information https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/wa-photo-card.asp
Queensland (QLD)
In QLD you can access the Photo Identification Card through Department of Transport and Main Roads. To apply you will need 3 forms of identification which may include a birth certificate, Medicare card or credit/debit card. The Photo Identification Card costs $77.40. For more information https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/proof-of-age
South Australia (SA)
In SA you can get a Proof of age card through Service SA. To apply you will need 3 forms of identification which may include a birth certificate, Medicare card or credit/debit card. The Proof of Age Card costs $25. For more information https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/licences/proof-of-age-card
Northern Territory (NT)
In NT you can get an Evidence of Age Card through the Motor Vehicle Registry Office. To apply you will need 3 forms of identification which may include a birth certificate, Medicare card or credit/debit card. At least one of the documents must include a signature and an address in the NT. The Evidence of Age Card costs $28. For more information https://nt.gov.au/driving/mvr-services/apply-for-nt-evidence-of-age-card
Ensure you have read all the information available about the card in your state or territory to avoid confusion when attending/completing your application online as each state and territory has different regulations. You will also need to be ready to have your photo taken or uploaded at the time of application.
*This information and its associated costs are current at the time of this article being published.
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