Accepted Identity Documents
Complete guide to the identity documents you'll need for your Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check application
What You Need to Know
The National Police Checking Service (NPCS) requires you to provide three (3) identity documents to verify your identity. Your documents must meet the following requirements:
- At least one Commencement Document — This proves the start of your identity in Australia
- A total of 100 points — Your three documents must add up to at least 100 points combined
- Original or certified copies — Documents must be current and valid (not expired)
Points Value System
Commencement Documents (70 points)
You must provide at least ONE document from this category
Australian Birth Certificate
Full birth certificate issued by a state or territory Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Birth extracts are not accepted.
Australian Citizenship Certificate
Certificate of Australian Citizenship by grant or descent, issued by the Department of Home Affairs.
Certificate of Registration by Descent
Certificate confirming citizenship by descent, issued by the Department of Home Affairs.
Foreign Passport with Valid Australian Visa
Current foreign passport with a valid visa permitting you to work or reside in Australia.
ImmiCard
ImmiCard issued by the Department of Home Affairs for visa holders.
Primary Documents (40 points each)
Government-issued photo identification documents
Australian Passport
Current Australian passport (not expired for more than 2 years).
Australian Driver Licence
Current driver licence or learner permit issued by any Australian state or territory.
Australian Photo ID Card
State/territory-issued proof of age card or photo identity card.
Foreign Passport
Current foreign passport (without valid Australian visa — for ID purposes only).
Australian Firearms Licence
Current firearms licence issued by an Australian state or territory.
Australian Security Industry Licence
Current security industry licence with photo, issued by state/territory authority.
Australian Working With Children Check Card
Current Working With Children Check card or Blue Card with photo.
Secondary Documents (25 points each)
Supporting documents that help establish your identity and address
Medicare Card
Current Medicare card (green, blue, or yellow).
Australian Bank Card / Statement
Debit/credit card or recent bank statement (less than 12 months old).
Centrelink Card
Current Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or Commonwealth Seniors Card.
Australian Tertiary Student ID
Current student identification card from an Australian university or TAFE.
DVA (Veteran Affairs) Card
Current Department of Veterans' Affairs card.
Utility Bill / Rates Notice
Recent electricity, gas, water, or council rates notice (less than 12 months old).
Lease / Tenancy Agreement
Current residential lease or tenancy agreement.
Australian Electoral Roll Extract
Electoral enrolment confirmation from the Australian Electoral Commission.
ATO Assessment Notice
Notice of Assessment from the Australian Taxation Office (less than 12 months old).
Marriage Certificate
Australian marriage certificate issued by Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Change of Name Certificate
Change of name certificate issued by Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
Important Notes
- Documents must be current — Expired documents are generally not accepted, except Australian passports expired within the last 2 years.
- Names must match — If your name has changed, you must provide evidence of the name change (e.g., marriage certificate, change of name certificate).
- Documents must be in English — Foreign documents not in English must be accompanied by an official translation.
- Clear images required — When uploading documents, ensure all text is clearly visible and the entire document is captured.
- One document per category — You cannot use the same document type twice (e.g., two different driver licences).
Ready to Start Your Application?
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