How to apply for a NSW Photo Card
An Easy Read guide about what you need to prepare to get a NSW Photo Card.
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In this guide, we explain how to apply for a Photo Card for New South Wales (NSW).
You can use a Photo Card to prove who you are.
About the Photo Card
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You can use a Photo Card to prove who you are when you don’t have a driver licence.
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Most places will let you use a Photo Card to prove who you are.
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But you might not be able to use it for some:
- websites
- apps.
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Photo Cards can last for:
- 5 years if you're under 21 years old
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- 10 years if you're over 21 years old.
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You can apply for a Photo Card in NSW if you:
- live in NSW
- are over 16 years old.
How to apply
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You need to have the right identity documents when you apply.
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Identity documents:
- show who you are
- have your personal information on them.
For example, your birth certificate.
We also call them your ‘ID’.
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You can find out more on the Proving your identity page on our website.
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You can apply for a Photo Card by filling out a form.
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You can take your form to a service centre.
They will help you apply for a Photo Card.
You can find a centre near you in the Find a service centre page on our website.
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They will also take your photo to put on the card.
You can find out more on the Getting your photo taken at a service centre page on our website.
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You might also need to pay for your Photo Card.
Who can apply for free
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You can apply for a Photo Card for free if you:
- have a Seniors Card
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- have a Pensioner Concession Card.
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A concession card is a card from the government that gives certain people a discount on some services.
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You can apply for a Photo Card for free if you get the Centrelink Carers Allowance.
The Centrelink Carers Allowance is money from the government for carers when they look after a person full time.
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You can also apply for free if you are:
- a veteran – someone who worked in the defence forces, like the army
- the wife or husband of a veteran who has passed away.
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You will need to have a Veteran Gold Card that says either:
- TPI
- EDA
- War Widow or War Widower.
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Or you will need a letter from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to say you need support for a disability.
After you apply
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You should get your Photo Card in 10 working days.
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If you don’t get your card in this time, you can call us.
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You can also ask to get a new Photo Card if you:
- lose it
- change your details.
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You can find out more in the Replace a NSW Photo Card page on our website.