Changes to Driver’s Licence and Photo ID Card
There is no increase to the annual fee for the new cards.
New Secure Delivery Process
- Visit any Access PEI office to apply and pay for your Driver’s Licence and/or Photo ID Card.
- Keep your existing card (if you have one). You will be given a temporary document, which is valid for 60 calendar days.
- You will receive your new card in the mail within 14 business days of visiting an Access PEI office.
A similar process is used to deliver Canadian Passports, credit cards and other important documents.
Centralizing this service allows the Highway Safety Division to improve the security of the cards with added features that deter counterfeits. The process also enables the time for staff to investigate possible fraud before applicants receive a driver’s licence or photo ID card.
Don’t wait until the last minute to renew your driver’s licence.
Plan ahead. Give yourself enough time to receive your new card in the mail.
Enhanced Security Features
The new driver’s licence and photo ID Cards have design and security features to help prevent identity theft and fraud. There is no fee increase associated with the new secure cards.
Driver's licence photos are now black and white
Why are driver's licence and photo ID cards changing?
The new driver’s licence and photo ID cards have enhanced security features to help prevent identity theft and fraud. All of the Atlantic provinces are changing to the new cards at the same time. Other Canadian jurisdictions (except Yukon) and more than half of United States make use of new secured cards and central issuance (cards are sent by mail).
Why do I have to wait for my new card to arrive in the mail?
Registry of Motor Vehicles uses computerized facial recognition software to prevent suspended drivers or fraudsters from getting a driver's licence or photo ID card. It takes a few days to complete this process and print your card.
Cards are printed at an offsite facility with advanced security features.
A similar process is used to deliver Canadian passports, credit cards and other important documents. The delay in delivery provides staff with the time to investigate possible fraud before applicants receive a driver’s licence or photo ID card.
Staff of Access PEI will continue to perform all other steps of the business transaction.
How long will it take to get my driver's licence?
It may take up to 14 days to receive your new licence or ID card. Plan ahead. Give yourself enough time to receive your new card by mail.
Why can't I wear eyeglasses or smile in my photo?
Registry of Motor Vehicles uses computerized facial recognition software to help confirm your identity. Eyeglasses and smiling can prevent the facial recognition software from working its best.
How does this new process benefit me?
Road safety is improved - suspended drivers cannot get a new licence by using another person's identity.
Is computerized facial recognition reliable?
Yes. Facial recognition software has been used for many years by governments and businesses all over the world. It is a powerful and proven technology. However, it is not the only tool the Registry of Motor Vehicles uses. Every photo flagged by the system is double-checked by a person who is trained in facial recognition.
Will you share facial recognition data with anyone else?
The Province of Prince Edward Island is committed to protecting your privacy. Facial recognition data will not be shared with outside parties, except when required by court order.
What do I use while I'm waiting for my new licence?
Keep your existing card (if you have one) and the temporary document you will receive from Access PEI when you apply. The temporary document will be valid for 60 calendar days.
Do I keep my old driver's licence?
Keep your old card and receipt until your new secure card arrives in the mail, within 14 days. Once your new card arrives, destroy your old card, just as you would an old credit card.
What makes this card more secure?
The new cards feature multiple layers of security to help prevent identity theft and fraud and meet industry and government standards.
Is my current driver's licence and photo ID secure?
Current cards are secure, however, the new cards offer enhanced security. It is important to remember that card security evolves over time as threats to personal identity become more sophisticated. Enhancing security is part of the business of the PEI Highway Safety Division.
Can I get a new driver's licence even if it's not up for renewal?
Yes, you can renew your driver’s licence up to 5 months in advance of its expiry date. You can also purchase a replacement driver's licence with the same expiry.
Is my current driver's licence and photo ID card still valid?
Your driver's licence and photo ID remain valid until the expiry date printed on the card. Remember to give yourself enough time to receive your new card in the mail.
Why can’t my new driver’s licence and photo ID card be printed on Island?
The new process allows the PEI Highway Safety Division to:
- keep pace with the latest security and technology advances;
- follow a process consistent with the rest of the country; and
- keep costs at a minimum for residents.
There is no fee increase for the new secure cards.
Contact:
Phone: (902) 368-5271