Government-issued photo ID now easier to obtain in the Bay

Ministry of Government Services
News Release

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Ontario is making it easier for residents without a driver’s licence in the North Bay-area to get official, government-issued photo ID.

The Ontario Photo Card is now available at the following local ServiceOntario centres:

 447 McKeown Avenue, Unit 111, North Bay

 401 Pine Street, Mattawa

 Unit 7, 392 Airport Road, North Bay.

It will be offered at all North Bay-area ServiceOntario centres by autumn 2012.

The Ontario Photo Card makes it easier for Ontarians without driver’s licences to travel, open a bank account and perform any other activities that require official photo ID. Over 65,000 people have applied for the Ontario Photo Card since July 2011.

Offering the Ontario Photo Card at all ServiceOntario centres is part of the McGuinty government’s plan to put families first by making government services faster, friendlier and easier to access.

QUOTES

“This is great news for people in North Bay and the surrounding area who do not have a driver’s licence. The Ontario Photo Card offers another form of government photo ID they can use in their day-to-day lives.” — David Orazietti, MPP for Sault Ste. Marie

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

“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.” — Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infrastructure, Minister of Transportation

QUICK FACTS

 The Ontario Photo Card costs $35 and is valid for five years.

 Other North Bay-area ServiceOntario centres that will soon offer the Ontario Photo Card include:
o 94A King Street, Unit #8, Sturgeon Falls.

 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.

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