Alright so as you all probably know, the DriveTest strike isn't looking like it'll end anytime soon.

My G2 expired a few days after the strike started, & of course I had my G road test booked during the strike. If they decide to get off their a** & go back to work within the next few weeks, the backlog will be HUGE & I most likely won't get a road test until the spring/summer. Of course i'm still able to drive with my expired lisence BUT my problem is with me using it as my I.D.

I get hassled everywhere I use it. Buying cigs, at the LCBO, clubs here & there, & going to the casino is out of the question. So I pretty much get bothered/hassled for everything for using an expired lisence, not to mention my picture on it was when I was 16, i'm now 21, huge difference.

Anyways I have the OLD health card so I can't use that as I.D. I know the old health card is awesome to have, but if i'm not able to get a road test for another 8+ months i'm considering getting the new health card. Only thing is i've heard that it takes HOURS, and the lines are always crazy long & people end up stuck there all day.

Is this true? is it THAT bad? lol. Anyone who's gone let me know.

Well, Health cards cannot be legally used as IDs because they don't want a slew of fake health cards floating around. However, in light of the situation, I would suggest getting it and supplementing it with your expired drivers licence.

That being said, you are still able to drive with the expired licence. The governemnt has extended the restrictions in light of the situation.

As for the line ups, yes they are long. Would I say all day? No. But book off about 2-3 hours for your self, depending on what time you go. Also, the new health card does not arrive right away. That itself usually takes a month or so to arrive.

depends on the day and which office you go to I guess. I went to the mississauga office on a weekday during the summer. I got the "you have to get a new health card" letter in the mail so I didn't have to do any paperwork or anything beforehand. Just picked a number and I was out in like 10-15 minutes.

When I had my healthcard picture taken it took less than 30 minutes. So like FireDragoonX said, it depends where you go and at what time.

Originally Posted by webzn

Well, Health cards cannot be legally used as IDs because they don't want a slew of fake health cards floating around. However, in light of the situation, I would suggest getting it and supplementing it with your expired drivers licence.

Wow I didn't even know that? I thought health cards could be used as legal I.D. What about people who don't have a driver's lisence? lol what are they supposed to use if the health card isn't legal?

This totally sucks then! I got so embarresed last week when the LCBO denied selling me alcohol because they said my I.D didn't look like me & it was expired which made it worse. I had to send my YOUNGER 19 year old brother in to buy it! i'm 21 for God's sake!!! LMAO

Originally Posted by Greco

Wow I didn't even know that? I thought health cards could be used as legal I.D. What about people who don't have a driver's lisence? lol what are they supposed to use if the health card isn't legal?

This totally sucks then! I got so embarresed last week when the LCBO denied selling me alcohol because they said my I.D didn't look like me & it was expired which made it worse. I had to send my YOUNGER 19 year old brother in to buy it! i'm 21 for God's sake!!! LMAO

Passports can be used as legal I.D. but other than that I'm not quite sure what else you can use.

0_o wow I had no idea about that. I don't have my driver's license, so I've always used my health card as ID...at the bar, the LCBO...never had an issue

I got my health card at the Hamilton office, and it probably took less than half an hour. I have to go get it renewed in the next couple weeks, so I can let you know how long it takes

I went to the guelph health card place back in march. I walked in got my picture taken and I was out 10mins top.

Teaches you for not getting your G as soon as possible

Also keep your old health card. It is worth more then gold. You don't have to pay any fees with the old one (the old fashion red and white card). If you get the new one then your old one becomes invalid.

I'm surprised more people don't know this. You can book an appointment by phone to get a new health card. Just call in and they'll give you a time to go in and when you show up, you get to jump the line.

I went in to get a new health card a month ago. Gave my name to the receptionist and my number instantly showed up on the screen. It actually popped up quicker than she could move her hand to give me the ticket. I swear I was given a collective evil eye by everyone waiting in queue.

The lines definitely aren’t long. I didn't book an appointment (I just walked in), and in 15 minutes, I was done. I just want to mention that if you decide to get a new health card, you will have to renew it approximately every 2 years and I believe there is a renewal fee. It is kind of a hassle to have to renew the card so unless you really need it, I would suggest sticking with the red and white health card. It never expires!

Originally Posted by webzn

Well, Health cards cannot be legally used as IDs because they don't want a slew of fake health cards floating around. However, in light of the situation, I would suggest getting it and supplementing it with your expired drivers licence.

That being said, you are still able to drive with the expired licence. The governemnt has extended the restrictions in light of the situation.

As for the line ups, yes they are long. Would I say all day? No. But book off about 2-3 hours for your self, depending on what time you go. Also, the new health card does not arrive right away. That itself usually takes a month or so to arrive.

Just to clear this up, you ARE allowed to use your health card as ID. The only stipulation is you have to offer it. You can't be asked for it. I don't have a licence so I always use my health card as my ID.

When I got my health card done, it took like 15 minutes at the place by Jackson Square. I didn't even book an appointment. It depends what time of day you go (I assume like 3-4pm on weekdays is hectic). I went at like 10am and it was dead.

As for renewing your health card after you get the new one: you have to renew it every 4 years and it doesn't cost anything.

If you want you can also apply for a BYID Card which you can use for I.D at the liquor store, bars, etc.

http://www.lcbo.ca/socialresponsibility/byidcard.shtml

Originally Posted by Kathy2

Just to clear this up, you ARE allowed to use your health card as ID. The only stipulation is you have to offer it. You can't be asked for it. I don't have a licence so I always use my health card as my ID.

In my experience, banks, and the LCBO will not accept Health Cards as a form of ID.

Originally Posted by thedog123123

Also keep your old health card. It is worth more then gold. You don't have to pay any fees with the old one (the old fashion red and white card). If you get the new one then your old one becomes invalid.

I've heard this too, but I received a letter telling me to renew and get the new one. Should I have just ignored the letter lol?

@webzn, My bank didn't accept my health card either. Well they did, but it was for a small change to my account so they let me use it.