Photo card expanding to more service centres

The province is rolling out more access points for its Ontario Photo Card, a tool designed to make it easier for Ontarians without a driver's licence to travel, open a bank account and perform any other activities that require official photo identification.

Almost 40,000 people have applied for the Ontario Photo Card since July 2011.

The Ontario Photo Card is now available at about 85 ServiceOntario centres across the province. It will be offered at all of the province's nearly 300 ServiceOntario centres by the end of the year.

"ServiceOntario is offering government services to all Ontarians in a way that fits customers' lives - how, when and where they need them,” Harinder S. Takhar, Minister of Government Services, said in a press release. “The Ontario Photo Card is another way to reach out to more people to ensure they receive essential government services.”

Minister of Infrastructure and of Transportation Bob Chiarelli added: "Our government is making it easier for Ontarians to get an Ontario Photo Card. This government-issued, secure card will make life easier for eligible residents who choose not to drive, but who are still seeking a recognizable form of ID."

Quick Facts:

- The Ontario Photo Card costs $35 and is valid for five years.
- Approximately 1.5 million Ontarians aged 16 years and over do not have a valid driver's licence.
- The Ontario Photo Card boasts the same security features as the driver's licence to help prevent fraud and identity theft.

Posted by Arron Pickard