Photographic Identification Card (Voluntary ID)
A Photographic Identification Card is a wallet sized card that provides government-issued identification to residents of PEI.
"Resident" means a person legally entitled to be or remain in Canada and who makes the person's home in and is ordinarily resident in the province. A person is not eligible to apply for a Photo ID where the person is the holder of a driver's license or the equivalent of a Photographic Identification Card issued by another province, territory, state or country.
A Photo ID may be issued to individuals who currently have a digital photo with Highway Safety (PEI Registry of Motor Vehicle database).
What type of documents do I need if I do not have a photo with Highway Safety?
Photographic Identification Cards will only be issued to individuals who are able to show valid proof of address and valid identification of their person. To be considered acceptable, valid documents must be able to show your:
- full legal name
- signature
- photo
- date of birth
- PEI residency information
Before you go to an Access PEI location, be sure to have the required documents with you.
To show proof of address for a Photo ID, any two of the following documents must be shown; each document must display your name and current PEI civic address:
- Current utility bills (electric, cable, oil delivery, phone, etc.)
- Formal rental or lease agreement
- Letter of employment on company letterhead (or pay stubs with name and address)
- Any mail from the Federal or Provincial Government (tax, GST, correspondence, etc.)
- Bank cheque with name and address
- Mortgage documents
- Credit card bill/bank statement
To show proof of person for a Photo ID, individuals must show three separate pieces of identification.
These documents must be original and not a photocopy.
What 3 "separate documents" must I provide for proof of person?
The three separate documents must include at least one photo document from this list:
- Valid Canadian Passport
- Birth Certificate must accompany Canadian Passport if document is being used for full legal name
- Aviation Document Pamphlet (issued by Transport Canada)
- DND Driver Permit / Military ID Cards (NDI 20 and NDI 21) (must be accompanied by proof of legal presence/status e.g. Aviation Document Pamphlet)
- Ontario/Quebec Health Card / BC Services Card
- Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) issued by Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
- Permanent Resident Card issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)
- Citizenship Certificate with photo from CIC issued prior to Feb. 1, 2012
- Temporary Resident Permit from CIC (IMM 1442)
- Refugee Protection Claimant Document from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IMM 1442)
- Valid Foreign Passport with appropriate Immigration Documents
- US Passport Card
AND no more than two separate documents from this list:
- Birth Certificate
- Health Card
- Credit Card
- SIN Card
- Bank Card
- Any other recognized document with signature
A young person under the age of majority (18 years) who has a valid birth certificate must be accompanied by a parent (one or both), or their legal guardian for identification and/or proof of residency purposes. As well, the applicants parent (one or both), or legal guardian will also be required to present their own driver's license or Photo ID.
To make an appointment with Highway Safety, please call:
(902) 368-6225 in the Charlottetown area and (902) 432-2714 in the Summerside area.
What does a Photo ID cost?
- Valid for 5 years: $50.00
- Valid for 1 year: $20.00
- Duplicate ID: $20.00
- Qualified individuals: No Charge
Who is qualified to receive a Photo ID at no cost?
Individuals that have been residents of PEI for at least 3 years are qualified to receive a Photographic Identification Card at no charge in the following cases:
- Individuals that are 18 years of age, or older AND have never held a valid driver`s license OR a Class 7 Instruction Permit OR a Class 9 Farm Tractor Permit.
- All individuals whose driving privileges have been cancelled administratively by PEI`s Highway Safety Division under Fitness to Drive provisions.
- All individuals that do not qualify to hold a driver`s license under Highway Safety Division`s Fitness to Drive provisions as approved by the Registrar.
- All individuals that no longer drive and their driver`s license is expired over 5 years.
Who can I contact for more information?
Phone: (902) 368-5228
Fax: (902) 368-5236