Proof of Identity document requirements
Overview
There are new requirements for Proof of Identity documents. These new requirements describe who must
provide Proof of Identity documents and when they must provide them.
Proof of identity requirements – for housing applications
If you are a current Centrelink customer, over 15 years of age and with an independent income then you do not
need to lodge Proof of Identity documents when lodging an application that will place you on a waiting list, such
as public housing. Centrelink has already established your identity. We can use documents confirming you are a
current Centrelink customer to verify your identity at this time.
NOTE: If proof of identity documents are available, you can provide them at this time.
All applicants over the age of 15 years who receive an independent income (not Centrelink only) must submit
Proof of Identity documents when lodging an application that will place them on a waiting list, such as public
housing.
Proof of identity requirements – for tenancies and applications that result in the
provision of an immediate service
Every person who signs a public housing tenancy agreement is required to provide Proof of Identity documents
to the Department of Human Services at that point. This will help the Department manage your tenancy.
Proof of Identity documents must be supplied to the Department by every person signing the public housing
tenancy agreement before the Department can agree on the tenancy.
Clients included on an application that results in the provision of an immediate service, such as bond loans,
moveable units and rebated rents, are required to prove their identity when the application is lodged.
Establishing Identity
You can establish your identity by providing original documents or certified copies from the lists over the page.
Your documents must equal 100 points (see over the page).
One of your forms of identity must come from the Primary category of documents and have a photograph and
signature.
The rest of your documents can come from either the Primary or Secondary category of documents.
The same document cannot be provided for the two document categories.
The name on all proof of identity documents must match.
Department of Human Services
If you have changed your name, for example through marriage, you must also provide a change of name
certificate.
All documents must be current. Expired documents cannot be accepted.
Approved proof of identity document list
Primary proof of identity documents
Australian passport
Foreign passport
Shooter or firearm licence
Security protection industry or crowd control licence
Australian Birth Certificate
Australian Citizenship Certificate
Australian Visa
Certificate of evidence of Australian residency status
Document of Identity issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Certificate of Evidence of Resident Status (Form 283) issued by the Department of Immigration and
Citizenship
Certificate of Identity issued by the Australian Government to refugees and non Australian citizens
for entry into Australia
Australian drivers licence
Australian working with children check card
Secondary proof of identity documents
Australian Defence Force discharge papers
Australian Defence Force identity card
Child’s birth certificate showing applicants name as parent/guardian
Australian divorce papers (Decree Nisi, Decree Absolute)
Intervention order
Veterans’ Affairs gold card
Centrelink Card (containing a reference number)
Medicare Card
Change of name certificate issued by a registry of births, deaths and marriages of an Australian
state or territory
Marriage certificate issued by an Australian state or territory government agency (not Church or
celebrant issued certificates)
A credit or account card, statement or passbook for a current account issued by a bank, credit
union or building society within the meaning of the Commonwealth Banking Act 1959 *
Taxation Assessment Notice
Motor Vehicle Registration
Superannuation statement
Private health insurance card
Australian Driver Learner Permit
Utilities notice (water rates, electricity, gas or phone account)
Council rates notice
Residential Tenancy Agreement or lease, or receipt issued by landlord, agent or owner
Reference from Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander organisation showing referee’s full details and
length of time they have known applicant
Electoral enrolment for current address
Proof of age card issues by an Australian government agency
Student identification card
PAYG payment summary with Tax File Number
TOTAL
(must equal 100 points or greater)
Points
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
70
40
40
Points
70
40
40
40
40
40
40
25
25
25
25
25
25
25
25
25
25
25
25
25
25
25
25
25
* Cannot use more than one from the same financial institution. Cannot accept ATM or internet receipts,
statement or account documentation issued by banks/financial institutions outside Australia.
September 2012
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