Australian state and territory issued identity photo cards (also known as Proof of Age Cards or by other names) are

photo identification Photo identification or photo ID is an identity document that includes a photograph of the holder, usually only their face. The most commonly accepted forms of photo ID are those issued by government authorities, such as driver's licenses, ident ...

cards issued by the

States and Territories of Australia The states and territories are federated administrative divisions in Australia, ruled by regional governments that constitute the second level of governance between the federal government and local governments. States are self-governing p ...

. While the

drivers license A driver's license is a legal authorization, or the official document confirming such an authorization, for a specific individual to operate one or more types of motorized vehicles—such as motorcycles, cars, trucks, or buses—on a public r ...

is similar to the photo identity card, the photo identity card is treated separately here.

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, but 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 A credit card is a payment card issued to users (cardholders) to enable the cardholder to pay a merchant for goods and services based on the cardholder's accrued debt (i.e., promise to the card issuer to pay them for the amounts plus the o ...

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. *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, especially as some states such as NSW are encouraging the issue of such cards along with drivers licences at a nominal fee.

Document Verification Service

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

References

External links

Proof of Age Cards Australia
{{Australian Identity Documents Identity documents of Australia

Summary

Future purpose

Document Verification Service

See also

References

External links