Frequently Asked Questions on the GIC 

If all of your documentation is in order, your photo will be taken and your application will be processed at one of the 13 issuing sites located throughout the North. All applications are sent to Yellowknife electronically and are subject to a second security review to confirm that all the information is correct and the photo meets the security standards. From there the application is released for production and is sent electronically to Ottawa for processing at a secure facility.

Cards are processed and shipped back to Yellowknife where they are sorted and verified against the database. They are then delivered to Canada Post which delivers them through regular mail to the address you provided on your application.

The entire process takes approximately 3 – 4 weeks.

Note: there is no temporary GIC card issued, so please plan accordingly. You must wait to receive the official GIC card in the mail. 

What are the requirements for obtaining a General Identification Card:

• Must be a minimum of 12 years of age
• Must meet the acceptable identification and residency requirements. See accepted documents.

NOTE: Please check carefully that you have all the required documents and that they are valid and current prior to applying for a General Identification Card.

Generally GICs are obtained to be used as official government issued photo identification and proof of date of birth for age verification.

Note: In Canada, the passport is the primary travel identity document. The Department of Transportation recommends all air travellers obtain a passport, especially if you are considering international travel.    

If you don't have a document proving your residency that is in your name, please provide a signed letter from your parent, guardian, roommate, or landlord confirming your residency, together with a document in their name proving their NWT residency.

In exceptional cases where an individual is unable to meet all of the acceptable identity requirements, your situation will be assessed by the Manager of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Programs (867-873-7406) in Yellowknife on a case-by-case basis.  Please contact your nearest Issuing Agency for more information.

Your situation will be carefully reviewed to determine whether other documents may be acceptable.  However, you may need to explain why you cannot get a birth certificate or other required document.

There are 13 issuing offices located throughout the Northwest Territories. Click here for a list of Issuing Offices.

If you don’t receive your GIC card within 4 weeks of the initial application date you should contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Program Officer in Yellowknife at 867-873-7406.   

No, they are distributed by Canada Post through regular mail after being processed. This requires 3-4 weeks. 

If your circumstances change and you move or change your address within the NWT, you are required under the Motor Vehicles Act to change your Drivers Licence and/or General Identification Card within 15 days of the change. This also applies to changing your name, i.e. if you recently got married or divorced and your name was changed. Supporting documentation is required showing the changes. 

$33.48 for a first time issue or renewal
$18.48 for a lost / stolen replacement
$13.48 for a lost / stolen replacement – Senior Citizen

A General Identification Card expires on the first birthday after it has been held for five years, and thereafter every five years on your birthday.

Birth Certificates - Vital Statistics - NT

Citizenship and Permanent Residency Cards, Immigration Documents

Native Status Cards - DIAND/INAC

Passport Canada

Transport Canada