Photo ID card in Nova Scotia without a driver's licence: who can apply, documents and fee

How to get a provincial photo identification card in Nova Scotia if you do not drive: where to apply, documents and fee, from the official pages.

Photo ID without a driver's licence

Apply in person at a Registry of Motor Vehicles or Access Nova Scotia office with original proof of age and name (a valid Canadian passport alone is enough). The fee is $17.70 with no tax on Service Nova Scotia's photo ID page (the government said fees did not rise with the 2017 secure card); one Access Nova Scotia guide shows $31.15, so confirm when you apply. You get a 30-day temporary document and the card arrives by mail in about 14 days. Phone 1-800-898-7668.

Official page: photo identification card ↗

Good to know

A provincial photo card is accepted as ID in your province; for travel abroad you need a passport (see the federal passport guide). If you lack the usual documents, ask the office about a guarantor declaration or the alternative process before you go.

Fees and documents change and were read on 2026-11-14; confirm with the issuer. General information, not legal advice. Quebec ID cards are issued by the SAAQ: see atlasquebec.ca.

Guides for this province