Australian state and territory issued identity photo cards

Australian state and territory issued identity photo cards (also known as Proof of Age Cards or by other names) are photo identification cards issued by the States and territories of Australia. While the drivers license is similar to the photo identity card, the photo identity card is treated separately here.

Australian Photo Card
Sample - the front and back of an ACT Photo Identity Card
TypePhoto Card
Issued byStates and Territories of  Australia
PurposeIdentification
EligibilityResidents of States and Territories of Australia. Age restrictions may apply depending on state or territory - see article.

Summary

While each state and territory has differing rules and laws concerning the issue of these cards, they all have a number of common features. First they are issued by the government of the concerned state or territory to residents of that state or territory. Second, they are voluntary - there is no requirement to hold the card, there is a fee to obtain the card. Third they are issued by and are closely associated with the state or territorial government agency responsible for the issuing of drivers licences, and are often similar to, produced on the same plastic as, and maintained on the same systems as drivers licences. They universally show the photo of the individual, a signature, and their date of birth. They are all credit card sized. Finally, from 1 March 2017 all states and territories of Australia allow the issue of the card regardless of whether or not the holder has a drivers licence.

The following lists the different cards and the details.

State or territoryName of cardMinimum age*Available to driversValidity (years)Shows SexNotesRefSample Image
Australian Capital TerritoryProof of Identity Card18YesNo expiryNo[1]
New South WalesPhoto card16Yes5No10 year validity if over 21[2]
Northern TerritoryEvidence of age card18Yes5No[3]
QueenslandPhoto identification card15Yes10YesNo Address[4]
South AustraliaProof of age card18YesNo expiryNoApply online if Driver[5]
TasmaniaPersonal Information CardNo MinimumYes5No[6]
VictoriaProof of age card18YesNo ExpiryYes[7]
Western AustraliaPhoto card16Yes5NoAvailable with or without address or both[8]
  • Minimum age of 18 - some states allow application 1 month early for a delivery/pick up on or after the holder's 18th birthday.

Future purpose

The photo card may become the de facto identity card once drivers licences become electronic,[9] especially as some states such as NSW are encouraging the issue of such cards along with drivers licences at a nominal fee.[10]

Document Verification Service

The Australian Attorney-General's Department provides a document verification service that allows for validation of some licences.[11]

See also

References
  1. https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/51/~/proof-of-identity-cards
  2. http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/nsw-photo-card.html
  3. https://nt.gov.au/driving/licences/apply-for-nt-evidence-of-age-card
  4. https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/proof-of-age/
  5. https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/drivers-and-licences/proof-of-age-card
  6. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2017-03-20. Retrieved 2017-03-20.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  7. https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/licences/licence-and-permit-types/proof-of-age
  8. http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/licensing/photo-card.asp
  9. http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/digital-life-news/digital-drivers-licences-promised-for-nsw-if-mike-bairds-government-is-reelected-20150312-142yn3.html
  10. http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/roads/licence/nsw-photo-card.html
  11. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2017-03-21. Retrieved 2017-03-20.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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