Province introduces new photo ID cards

In today’s society renting a hotel room, opening a bank account or voting without a driver’s licence is next to impossible.

Today the province rolled out new Ontario photo identification cards which will provide government-issued identification to Ontarians who do not drive. Nipissing MPP Monique Smith was pleased to announce that the Service Ontario outlet on Airport Road is one of the 21 locations across the province to offer the new service.

Smith says the card will not work in place of a valid passport or enhanced drivers licence for border crossing, however, it will make conducting day to day business in Ontario less stressful for the 1.5 million Ontarians over the age of 16 are without a licence.

“These secure cards will make it easier for people who are age 16 and over, do not have a driver’s licence to open a bank account, make travel arrangement and perform other activities.”

“So many times people get asked for ID or asked for their driver’s licence specifically and there are many people in our community who don’t have a drivers licence for a variety of reasons. Either they are unable to drive, they don’t have a car or they don’t feel the need for a driver’s licence but they do need ID and so we think it is incredibly important to make sure these people have appropriate identification and feel enfranchised.



George Livingstone, who has worked at the polling stations for several elections, says it is very frustrating to have to turn people away from voting because they don’t have the required supporting documents that substitute for a driver’s licence when voting.

“I have done a few elections that was always a contentious issue, some people don’t carry their current hydro bill on them or phone bill that says this is where living currently.”

“Yes they do have a health card but you’re not supposed to take that because it doesn’t have an address so I’ve had to turn people away from voting.”

The 67-year-old says the issue also hits home because while he has his licence his wife does not. He says he doesn’t plan to renew his licence as he doesn’t drive anymore, instead both he and his wife will apply for the new ID cards.



Folks can apply for the ID cards at 392 Airport Road. The card costs $35 and is valid for five years and applicants will require supporting documentation like a birth certificate to complete the application process.