Identity documents

How to verify your identity

To have an AusCheck background check you must verify your identity.

You must submit your identity documents either:

with your application
at an in-person interview.

You can’t progress your application or collect your card without verifying your identity.

Which identification documents you must provide

Follow these steps to provide the documents you need to verify your identity.

You need one document from each of these categories:
- Category A – the start of your identity in Australia.
- Category B – a government-issued identity document with your photograph and signature.
- Category C – the use of your identity in the community.
For example, an Australian birth certificate, a current driver licence, and a Medicare card.
If you have changed your legal name, you will also need documents that show the change.
The particular document will depend on whether you changed your name because of either:
- a change to your marital status (including marriage, separation, entering or leaving a registered relationship or the death of a spouse)
- a gender transition
- personal preference.
The document must be issued to you by a Commonwealth, state or territory department or agency (usually Births, Deaths, Marriages or equivalent).
A statutory declaration is not acceptable as evidence of a change of name. A document issued by a celebrant on a person’s wedding day doesn't meet this requirement, as this is a ceremonial certificate.
We accept documents that are not in English if you attach an English translation of the document. You need to pay for the translation. We do not cover this cost.
The translator must be accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).
The translation must contain the following:
- a NAATI number
- a NAATI stamp
- the signature of the translator.
For more information, visit the NAATI website(Opens in a new tab/window).

You must provide original documents

If you are required to have an in-person meeting with a verifier as part of the background check process, you must bring your original identity documents to the appointment.

The verifier can’t accept:

digital versions (such as a scan or photo of your driver licence)
certified copies
extracts.

Note that older birth certificates may have the heading 'Certified copy of particulars from the registry of births, deaths and marriages' or similar. If you have your original copy issued from the registry, this is an original identity document.

Categories of identity documents

The following lists provide examples of documents for each category.

Category A – Start of identity in Australia

Provide one document issued by an Australian Registry of Births, Death and Marriages or the Department of Home Affairs.

Australian birth certificate (not a commemorative certificate)
Australian citizenship certificates
Australian citizenship by descent extract
ImmiCard (current or expired)
Australian visa (with foreign passport)
Australian protection visa (with Australian convention travel document)

Category B – Link between the identity and the person

Provide one current and valid government-issued document that includes the applicant's photo and signature. This document can't be expired or cancelled. Examples include:

Passport (Australian or foreign)
Australian driver licence or learner permit, or foreign driver licence
Australian proof of age card
Embassy/consulate photo identity card
Adult firearms or shooter's licence
Industry licence
Police identification card
Australian security licence or crowd controller licence
Working with children/vulnerable people card.

Category C – Use of identity in the community

Provide one example of use of identity in the community. Examples include a current and valid (not expired or cancelled):

Category B document that has not already been used
Medicare card
Marriage certificate or similar
Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) or Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC)
Government-issued identity document
Australian pay slip or PAYG summary (less than 6 months old and includes company details)
Employment contract (includes company details)
Reference or confirmation of identity from an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander organisation
Australian tertiary student identity card
Academic transcript (Australian or reputable foreign institution)
Trade certificate issued by recognised body
Bank card, credit card or ATM card.

Category D – Evidence of current residential address

Only required if categories A, B or C do not have your current address.

Provide a document less than 6 months old, such as:

Australian electoral enrolment
Australian motor vehicle registration
Australian rates or land valuation notice
Utilities account or bank statement
Mortgage papers, current lease or tenancy agreement.

You can use other evidence of your current address from a reputable organisation.