SuperGold Card to become official ID with photo by 2028

The Government will provide $36.4 million in operating funding and $6.5 million in capital funding over four years to upgrade the SuperGold Card to function as accepted primary identification, with rollout expected from October 2028.

The Government is upgrading the SuperGold Card to function as an accepted form of primary identification, with both physical and digital versions.

Seniors Minister Casey Costello announced the modernisation as part of Budget 2026, which provides $36.4 million in operating funding over four years and $6.5 million in capital funding over four years.

The upgraded card will include a photograph, enhanced security features, and meet standards required by banks and other service providers. The photographic ID will be optional and the SuperGold Card will remain free of charge to anyone over 65.

"This will be free, because older New Zealanders should not have to pay just to prove who they are," Costello said.

Many seniors do not have legal ID such as a driver licence or passport, which limits their access to banking and legal services. More than 900,000 New Zealanders are aged 65 and over.

Rollout of the upgraded card is expected from October 2028. Until then, SuperGold holders can have a photo added to their existing card at AA offices.