Photo cards

Australian Photo Card
Sample - the front and back of an ACT Photo Identity Card
Issued by	States and Territories of  Australia
Type of document	Photo Card
Purpose	Identification
Eligibility requirements	Residents of States and Territories of Australia. Age restrictions may apply depending on state or territory - see article.

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.

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.

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.

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