Apply for an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC)

About the Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC)

An Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) is a physical card that shows you have had a valid background check and aren’t considered a threat to aviation.

Who needs an ASIC

Your employer, flight school or flight club will tell you if you need an ASIC.

You likely need one if you either:

require regular, unescorted access to secure or restricted areas of an airport
work in a security-sensitive aviation role
cannot perform your role under the Visitor Identification Card (VIC) scheme, where employees can work up to 28 days a year under the escort of an ASIC holder.

For example, you will need an ASIC if you're:

involved in the operation of an airport or an aircraft
a baggage handler
a retail or food or beverage worker at an airport
an airport cleaner
a passenger screening officer
a foreign official employed by a diplomatic mission or consular post in Australia
an airport security guard
an eligible Australian Border Force officer
in a verifier role
in a security-sensitive role such as:
- a known consignor(Opens in a new tab/window)
- a regulated air cargo agent (RACA)(Opens in a new tab/window)
- an accredited air cargo agent (AACA)(Opens in a new tab/window)
- an ASIC issuing body
- a Visitor Identification Card (VIC) issuer.

Types of ASICs

The type of ASIC depends on the access you need.

Red ASIC – for the airside security zone or secure areas, such as a ramp, tarmac or roof.
Grey ASIC – for secure areas other than the airside security zone. Often for retail staff in customs-controlled areas.
White ASIC – for security-sensitive roles that don’t require unescorted access to secure areas. For example, being directly involved in issuing ASICs or VICs, performing activities in the air-cargo supply chain for a regulated air cargo agent, accredited air cargo agent or known consignor. They are also for foreign officials.

Cost

See fees for background checks.

Validity

An ASIC is valid for up to 2 years.

When to apply

Apply at least 6 weeks before you need to use an ASIC.

Most applications are processed sooner, but allowing extra time helps avoid delays.

You can apply before you know your exact start date if the organisation you apply through (your issuing body) offers a 'job ready' option. A job ready application means you can apply for a card and have a background check before you have an operational need. Once you have a job, your employer will help you provide evidence of operational need. The issuing body can then issue a card.

To find an issuing body that offers a job ready option, check the conditions of the issuing bodies for ASICs.

How to apply

Follow these steps to apply for an ASIC.

The issuing body you apply through depends on:
- the type of ASIC you need
- the airport you’ll access.
Your issuing body submits your application to us so we can do your background check.
You can ask your employer which issuing body to apply through.
See Issuing bodies for Aviation Security Identification Cards (ASICs).
Prepare the following information as soon as you know you need an ASIC.
You need to ask your employer for their 'employer code'.
We also ask for some personal information to complete your background check. This includes:
- your residential addresses for the past 10 years
- an explanation of why you need an ASIC (called operational need)
- identity documents.
If you're under 14, you’ll also need written consent from your parent or guardian.
Learn more about how we protect your information in our privacy notice.
Follow your issuing body’s application process.
If you’re applying through our online applicant portal, you’ll need myID to sign in. myID is the Australian Government's digital identity app. For more information about myID and help to complete your application online, read our guidance for applicants.
Apply now(Opens in a new tab/window)
If you don't want to use myID and the applicant portal, contact us. We can send you a PDF application form to complete instead.
Your issuing body will give you instructions on how to meet with the verifier you nominated in your application.
If you applied through us, contact us to book a verification appointment.
You must bring your original identity documents to your appointment. The verifier can’t accept:
- digital versions (such as a scan or photo of your driver licence)
- certified copies.
We can’t progress your application until the verifier has confirmed your identity.

After you apply

AusCheck will arrange for our partner agencies to do a background check.

Application processing times vary based on individual circumstances and the complexity of each applicant’s background.

Background checks can take up to 6 to 8 weeks.

Learn more about how long background checks take.

Possible results

We'll tell you when we have assessed your criminal history.

You’ll get one of 2 possible results:

Eligible – you have no relevant criminal offences.
Not eligible – you have a relevant Tier 1 or Tier 2 criminal offence, or a conviction and sentence to imprisonment for a Tier 3 offence.

If the result is eligible, you’ll receive an email from us or your issuing body with instructions to collect your ASIC.

If the result is not eligible, you’ll have a chance to respond to us before we make a final decision. Find out how we handle unfavourable results.

If you aren’t issued an ASIC

If you believe we made a mistake, you can appeal our decision.

If you receive a final letter stating you've been found not eligible due to an adverse criminal record, you may be able to apply within 28 days from the date of that letter to the Secretary of Home Affairs for a discretionary ASIC. See Apply for a discretionary ASIC.

Once you have an ASIC

There are important rules you must follow to manage your ASIC.