Photo identification card: an easy method that’ll work for you in 2025

Photo of an Australian identification card

Quick read - for people in a hurry

A photo identification card is an official proof-of-age card valid for 10 years, available to anyone 15+ without a driver’s licence or passport.
To apply, you’ll need a completed form, three ID documents, the $74.85 fee, and two passport-quality photos (35–40 mm × 45–50 mm, head size 32–36 mm).
Applications can be made in person at Service Centres, QGAP offices, or police stations, or by mail if you live in a remote area.
Photos must be recent, high-quality, neutral expression, no glasses, no hats, with a plain white/light background.
You can get compliant photos at Australia Post, Officeworks, Kmart, photo studios, or take them at home using the Smartphone iD app, which provides AI + expert verification and a money-back guarantee.

Is your photo identification card application holding you back? Don’t wait any longer! Not only can you get your photo identification card application finished today, but you can also get the passport-quality photos you’ll need in minutes. Read this article to sort your photo identification card out today!

Last update: 09/30/2025

1. What is a photo identification card

2. Who is eligible for a photo identification card

3. What are the required documents to apply for a photo identification card?

4. Required documents to apply for a photo identification card

5. How to apply for a photo identification card?

6. What is the processing time for a photo identification card

7. What is the cost of a photo identification card

8. Passport photo for photo Identification card requirements

9. Australia photo identification card photo requirements

10. Where to take an approved photo identification card in AU

11. Take a passport photo for your photo identification card with your phone

12. Summary

What is a photo identification card?

Whether you’re going shopping or want to enter age-restricted locations, like the cinema, a photo identification card is extremely helpful. Individuals who are too young to be eligible for a Passport or Driver’s licence can get a photo identification card as proof of age.

The card is valid for ten years. It carries the same level of authority as a driver’s license and shows:

Name
Date of birth
Signature
Photo

Who is eligible for a photo identification card

Anyone who is over the age of 15 years and does not hold a Driver’s licence or Passport is eligible to apply for a photo identification card in Australia.

What are the required documents to apply for a photo identification card?

To make a successful photo identification card application, you must follow the guidelines for submitting documents and information during the application process.

Completed photo identification card application form
3 different copies of documents from the list below to evidence your identity:
- Birth Certificate
- Passport
- Debit/Credit card
- Medicare card
  - Check this government list for full details about how to provide forms of identity for the application
Pay the photo identification card fee

How to apply for a photo identification card?

There are two ways in which you can apply for a photo identification card. Follow the steps below to make a successful application.

In person

If you want to apply in person, you can do so at the following locations:

Transport and Motoring Customer Service Centre
Participating Queensland Government Agency Program Offices (QGAP)
Police Stations that provide licensing services

Once you have found one of these locations, you’ll be able to get a copy of the application form, complete the necessary steps, and submit the necessary documents.

By mail (Remote Area)

If you live in a remote area and cannot access in-person services, you can apply by mail.

Navigate to this website to download the Photo Identification Card Kit
Complete the application form F4772 using black ink
Sign the form with an approved witness:
1. A medical practitioner
2. A police officer
3. A solicitor, barrister, or judge
4. A Justice of the Peace or a Commissioner for Declarations
5. A notary public or a person authorised by law to witness and sign declarations
6. A consular or ambassadorial officer.
Provide 2 copies of a colour Passport quality photo (an approved witness must sign the back of each)
Include your evidence of identity documents
Include a cheque or money order with your application in the mail to pay the fee
Send your application to:
1. Department of Transport and Main Roads
2. Attention: Manager
3. Dalby Customer Service Centre
4. PO Box 767
5. DALBY QLD 4405

What is the processing time for a photo identification card

Once you have submitted your application, with all the correct documents and compliant Passport quality photos, you should get your photo identification card within 35 days through the standard postal service to your mailing address.

What is the cost of a photo identification card

There is one fee for the photo identification card application. You simply have to include this in your application by mail or pay in person when you submit your forms and documents.

The cost of the photo identification card fee is $74.85 AUD

Passport photo for photo identification card requirements

Your passport photo for your photo identification card must be compliant with the requirements; otherwise, your application will be rejected.

An Australian photo identification card photo must be 35mm-40mm wide and 45mm-50mm high, your head must be a maximum of 36mm and a minimum of 32mm from chin to crown.
Resolution of 600dpi or higher
Taken within the last 6 months
Color photo on plain white or light-colored background
Face must be centered and clearly visible
Neutral facial expression with mouth closed
Both eyes open and looking directly at the camera
No glasses permitted (eyeglasses must be removed)
Head must be straight, not tilted
No headwear unless worn for religious, medical, or cultural reasons, and face must remain fully visible
Good lighting with no shadows on face or background
Photo must be in sharp focus with high resolution
No digital alterations or filters applied
Hair must not cover eyes or face
Photo must be printed on high-quality photo paper. Matte or semi-matte finish preferred

Where to take an approved Photo identification card

You may be overwhelmed by the number of choices as to where you can get a photo identification card in AU. However, through our research, we’ve narrowed it down a bit for you.

Make sure you choose a professional method of getting your photos, as the Australian government says they must be of Passport quality.

If you’re unable to get into town for a Passport quality photo, check out the Smartphone iD app. You can take pre-approved photo identification card photos verified by our AI software and biometrics experts, with guaranteed government approval or your money back.

Kmart: You can get a 4×6 (10 x 15 cm) and it costs only $0.10. Uploading your photo identification card photo to Kmart is a good way to print a compliant photo.
Officeworks: Take a compliant Australian photo identification card at Officeworks. You also receive a certificate of compliance.
Kodak Moments: You can print photos directly from your camera roll using a Kodak Moments Kiosk. The Wifi connected self-service photo printing station can easily be used to print photos from your phone.
Photo Studio: A photo studio is a good place to get photo identification card photos. If you can get an appointment, this could work for you. It’s usually more expensive than most other options!
Smartphone iD: If you want an all-in-one stop for getting a compliant photo identification card with digital or printed delivery and speedy services, choose ‘Smartphone iD’!

Take a passport photo for your photo identification card with your phone

perfect official photo online with smartphone iD

Regardless of why you need a photo identification card, you’ll certainly need to submit two passport-quality photos with your application.

Did you know you can do that with your smartphone? You just need to use our online passport photo tool, Smartphone iD, to get certified biometric photos without any special equipment!

Our team of experts will process your photos to make sure they’re approved by the Australian government, or we’ll send you a full refund.

Use Smartphone iD, our Online ID photo service, available on Apple or Google Play Store. You will get 100% guaranteed photos in a matter of minutes.

Start today with Smartphone iD!

Summary

Don’t let a lack of ID photo stop you anymore! It’s easy to apply for a photo identification card when you’ve got the right tools and know-how. It’s especially easy when you’ve got the simplest way to take biometric photos from the comfort of your home.

Not sure how to start? Use Smartphone iD

Sources

https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/licensing/proof-of-age