When you visit a Red Seal Notary location to have your documents notarized, you will be asked to present at least one piece of non-expired, government-issued photo ID.
This can be a challenge for clients who don’t drive and don’t have other valid identification.
Fortunately, if you live in Ontario, there is another alternative: the Ontario Photo Card.
How do I get an Ontario Photo Card?
According to Service Ontario, you can apply for an Ontario Photo Card if you meet the following criteria:
- you do not drive,
- you are a resident of Ontario, and
- you are 16 years of age or older.
You will also have to provide proof of your legal name, your date of birth, and your signature. To see a list of acceptable proof, click here.
What are the Ontario Photo Card fees?
- The cost to order or renew an Ontario Photo Card is $35.
- The fee to replace a lost, stolen or damaged Ontario Photo Card is $10.
Can I keep my driver’s license if I get an Ontario Photo Card?
No. In order to obtain an Ontario Photo Card, you will have to surrender your driver’s licence. It will be cancelled when you apply for the card.
For more information on Ontario Photo Cards, please click here.
Will Red Seal Notary accept an Ontario Photo Card as ID?
Yes. To schedule an appointment with Red Seal Notary, please call 1-888-922-7325 or send an email to [email protected].
We look forward to serving you.
Renewal fee for Ont.
PHOTO I.D. card is
$35; it’s not $10
anymore. Please
update your
information.
Dear Deeanna,
Thank you for your interest in our website and for your comment.
As indicated under “What are the Ontario Photo Card fees?” in the article:
The cost to order or renew an Ontario Photo Card is $35. (emphasis added)
The fee to replace a lost, stolen or damaged Ontario Photo Card is $10.
The $10 charge is only for replacing lost, stolen or damaged photo cards. Renewals, as indicated, are the same fee as the initial application.
I hope this information is of assistance.
hi i dont have the required documents to get an id except an expired pr
card. what should i do?
Dear Vi,
If you have lost all of your id, you will have to apply to the Government (or Governments) to replace each item. It stands to reason that you start at the beginning – i.e. with your birth certificate, and then work your way up from there. You may benefit if you can have others attest to your identity, such as family, friends, professionals you have worked with, etc. You should also scour your home for anything that may support your identity, such as school records, bills, bank statements, academic credentials, your record of landing or old Immigration documents, etc. Unfortunately however, this tends to be a laborious and lengthy process.
I hope this information is of some assistance, and good luck!
But what if you are 14. I’m not old enough to get any sort of
photo ID other than a passport but i don’t have time to get a
poassport. What then?
Dear Erin,
Thank you for your comment and for your interest in our website.
At 14 you are still considered a minor in all Canadian jurisdictions. As such most legal documents would require a signature from your parent or legal guardian to be notarized instead, as your signature would not be legally binding.
I hope this is of some assistance.