People can now apply for Ontario’s new photo identification card.
The new government-issued card is now available at 21 ServiceOntario locations across the province, and will be available at all locations by 2012.
The secure card will make it easier for people aged 16 years and over who do not have a driver’s licence to open a bank account, make travel arrangements, or perform other activities that require official identification.
Minister of Transportation Kathleen Wynne said, “The [Dalton] McGuinty government is proud to make available our new secure government-issued photo identification card to help make life easier for people who don’t have a driver’s licence.”
Minister of Government Services Harinder Takhar added, “Ontario’s new photo card will help people get things done day-to-day.
“It’s the latest way that ServiceOntario is improving its suite of accessible and convenient services.”
To apply for a photo card people must be an Ontario resident, and provide original identity documents with their legal name, date of birth and signature.
The photo card will cost $35 and it will be valid for five years.
Approximately 1.5 million Ontarians aged 16 years and over do not have a valid driver’s licence.
Ontario now joins eight other provinces that offer a government-issued photo identification card.
The Ontario photo card mirrors the same security features as the driver’s licence to help prevent fraud and identity theft.
