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Law is generally described as of March 2024.
What type of document can youth seek which will allow them to move around the country?
Australia does not have single National identity card.
There is no consistent standard for verifying identity. For most purposes, an Australian driver's license or Australian proof of age card will suffice.
What is the process for getting a National ID card?
Australia does not have a national identity card. Instead, various documents may be used or required to prove a person's identity, whether for government or commercial purposes such as: General purpose validation of identity when picking up goods etc. At the request of police or security officers for legally valid purposes.
Where can I find information online about getting a National ID?
Evidence of citizenship and certificates Get a citizenship certificate (homeaffairs.gov.au)
What documents do I have to have to get a National ID? Is there any document that I must have to get an ID?
Currently, driver licences, issued by the state and territory authorities, are the most widely used personal identification documents.
Each state will have their own set of rules that will allow you to obtain identification (see relevant state or territory).
Driver licences list a person's full name, date of birth, current address and contains a photograph. They can commonly be used for personal identification for various purposes such as obtaining various government permits and documentation (for example, passport or tax file number) as well as for opening bank accounts or applying for credit cards. (See also 100 point check.)
For people who do not drive, the road authorities of the states and territories will issue a "photo card", also called "proof of age card", to people who do not have a driver's licence.
Other identity documents sometimes used include a passport, an official birth certificate, an official marriage certificate, cards issued by government agencies (typically Medicare card), some cards issued by commercial organisations (e.g., a debit or credit card), and utility accounts. Often, some combination of identity documents is required, such as an identity document linking a name, photograph and signature (typically photo-ID in the form of a driver licence or passport), evidence of operating in the community, and evidence of a current residential address.
Proof of citizenship or right to work status on a visa may be required in some cases, such as when applying for a job.[1] In these cases separate photo identity may also be required.
What if my documents do not have my correct name/address?
It is a legal requirement to contact the Department of Home Affairs if you are aware of any incorrect information. Visit the Home Affairs website and complete a Form 1023 (a Notification of incorrect answers). This can be done online and involves providing updated information.
For further information, please see:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/form-listing/forms/1023.pdf
There is no consistent national identification card and each jurisdiction carries its own set of rules for obtaining either a license or photo ID card.
However, if you hold a valid Australian passport and in need of changing the name or address on the document. One may look at the (passports.gov.au) for information on how to go about this depending on your circumstances.
What if I only have foreign documents?
It is possible for a non-resident to obtain Australian identification using foreign documents. Acceptable primary proof of identity documents include:
- foreign birth certificate
- foreign passport
- Australian birth certificate
- Australian passport.
See the (Australian Business Register) for more information on the required documents.
What happens if my documents are not accepted to get a National ID card?
There is no National ID card. However, if your documents are not accepted to get a Passport then contact the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade or call 131 232.
Do I have to be a resident of the country to get a National ID card?
There is no National ID card. However, to obtain an Australian passport you will need a residency address as per Australian Passport Office. This will be verified using identity documents.
What does it mean to be a resident of this country? How do I prove residency?
An Australian resident is a person who resides in Australia and has permission to remain permanently—either because they are: an Australian citizen; the holder of a permanent visa; or a protected Special Category Visa holder.
Suitable evidence of Australian residency may include:
- information obtained from the Department of Home Affairs verifying the date of arrival, residence status, etc.
- a passport
- a citizenship certificate, or
- a visa (1.1.V.10) or travel documents from the Department of Home Affairs stating that the person has been granted permanent residence.
- See (Social Security Guide)
There are different definitions of 'resident' according to whether the entity is, see (AUSTRAC).
What can I do if I do not have residency in this country?
As there is no National ID card in Australia, individuals should refer to the respected Jurisdiction for further Information.
Will I need a mailing address? What can I do if I am homeless?
As there is no National ID card in Australia, individuals should refer to the respected Jurisdiction for further Information.
What is the application process? Can I complete it online?
The Department of Home Affairs provides detailed steps about how to apply for a National Identification Card. This can be done fully online: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/already-have-a-visa/immicard/step-by-step
- Before you apply
- Check your eligibility (only available to certain visa holders).
- Cost is $100 (AUD), unless you are a humanitarian and protection visa holder.
- Parents can apply on behalf of children under 16.
- Your personal information is stored and protected under the Privacy Act.
- Gather documents
- Refer to the website for particular requirements for each type of visa subclass.
- Application: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-support/departmental-forms/online-forms/immicard-electronic-visa-record-application
- After you apply
- Applications can take between one to eight weeks to finalise.
Is there an application fee? Is there a waiver option if I cannot afford to pay it?
AUD490
AUD300 if aged 16 or 17 years at the time of application.
There is no cost for a child 15 years or younger applying on the same form as a parent. Other exemptions and concessions apply.
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/become-a-citizen/permanent-resident#Overview
How old do I have to be to apply for a National ID card by myself?
As there is no National ID card in Australia, individuals should refer to the respected Jurisdiction for further Information.
What can I do if I do not have a parent or guardian who can go with me (and the application says I have to have one)?
As there is no National ID card in Australia, individuals should refer to the respected Jurisdiction for further Information.
At what age can I get a National ID card by myself?
As there is no National ID card in Australia, individuals should refer to the respected Jurisdiction for further Information.
Will I have to take a test?
Most applicants for citizenship by conferral aged between 18 and 59 years will need to have an interview and sit the citizenship test.
The test assesses your English language skills and what you know about Australia and Australian citizenship.
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/citizenship/test-and-interview
If applicable, do I have to make an appointment to take the test?
You will be informed when and where to take the test.
What organization issues a driver's license in this country?
The issue of driver licences, alongside the regulation and enforcement of road use, are all managed by state and territory governments. However, Australia has implemented a National Driver Licensing Scheme (NDLS), establishing a single driver licence classification structure, eligibility criteria and a uniform set of requirements for key driver licensing transactions including the issue, variation, renewal, suspension and cancellation of licences. The NDLS has been adopted by all Australian jurisdictions. See: Australian Driver Licensing | Austroads
State and territory organisations responsible for driver licensing functions in Australia are:
- Transport for New South Wales
- VicRoads (Victoria)
- Department of Transport and Main Roads Queensland
- Department of Transport Western Australia
- Department of Infrastructure and Transport South Australia
- Department of State Growth Tasmania
- Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Northern Territory
- Road Transport Authority Australian Capital Territory
However, Austroads provides information on behalf of the driver licensing authority of each Australian state and territory.
What is the process for getting a driver's license?
While the process may vary between each state and territory, there are a number of common elements. All Australian jurisdictions have introduced a graduated licensing system (GLS) for novice drivers. The fundamental components of Australia’s standard GLS policy framework are as follows (all Australian jurisdictions currently meet or exceed these requirements):
- Learner permit at 16 years – supervised driving required
- 12 months minimum holding of learner permit
- Requirement to undertake at least 50 hours supervised driving recorded in a log book
- Practical on-road test to achieve solo unsupervised licence
- Hazard Perception Test as part of GLS
- Solo licensing from 17 years
- Zero Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) and no hand held mobiles during entire learner/provisional period
- Lower demerit point threshold for novice drivers
Source: Australian Driver Licensing | Austroads
Where can I find information online about getting a driver's license?
You could access website of Austroads.com.au (which contains further links to the state and territory organisations responsible for driver licensing functions in Australia).
What documents do I have to have to get a driver's license? Is there any document that I must have to get a driver's license?
Under the NDLS, there is a national requirement to establish a person’s identity for driver licensing purposes. The National Administrative Guideline lists the acceptable forms of documentation that must be presented to all Australian state and territory driver licensing agencies at the time of establishing a first time client and renewing or replacing a driver’s licence.
Driver licence applicants must provide documentary evidence to support the existence and linkage between the identity and the applicant (i.e. through the use of documents including an Australian Birth Certificate, Citizenship Certificate, Australian driver licence or Australian or Overseas Passport) as well as evidence of the use of the identity in the community (e.g. utility bill, Centrelink Concession Card, Medicare Card).
Source: Australian Driver Licensing | Austroads
What if my documents do not have my correct name/address?
Please refer to your State or Territories information sheet.
Most jurisdictions will require that another form of identity document be presented (which does contain your correct name/address). If this is not available, then you may need to update this document prior to applying for a drivers licence.
What if I only have foreign documents?
State and territory organisations responsible for driver licensing generally accept foreign documents such as foreign passports. However, these may need translation at your cost.
What happens if my documents are not accepted to get a driver's license?
Please refer to your State or Territories information sheet
Do I have to be a resident of the country to get a driver's license?
While the recognition of overseas driver licences in Australia is assessed by Austroads, the individual state and territory licensing authorities of Australia retain responsibility for providing recognition. See: Australian Driver Licensing | Austroads
A person who enters Australia on a permanent visa or who is a permanent resident may drive on their current overseas license for a maximum of three months after arriving in Australia. If they wish to continue to drive after three months, an Australian issued driver's license must be obtained in the state or territory in which the person is residing.
If you are just visiting Australia, you can drive the same type of vehicle as your current licence allows, but you must drive according to any conditions on your overseas licence.
You will need either:
- a current licence issued in another country that is written in English; or
- a current licence with an English translation if necessary or an international driver's licence.
You must carry your licence documents at all times when driving and produce these and your passport to police on request.
You must not be disqualified from driving in any country.
If your overseas license expires while you are in Australia, you must get an Australian license.
What does it mean to be a resident of this country? How do I prove residency?
An Australian permanent resident is someone who holds a permanent visa but is not a citizen. A permanent resident can live, work and study without restriction in Australia. A permanent resident has most of the rights and entitlements of a citizen, but there are some differences.
https://liveinmelbourne.vic.gov.au/
What can I do if I do not have residency in this State? Or country?
Visitors on a temporary visa (not a permanent visa) from other countries are conditionally authorized to drive with their existing overseas driver's licence for their stay, except for Victoria and Northern Territory. Regarding Australian driver's licenses for foreigners, every Australian state and territory has its conditions.
Will I need a mailing address? What can I do if I am homeless?
Australia operates a federated licensing scheme thus the responsibility for regulation and issuing of driver's licenses rests with State and Territory governments.
Please refer to your State or Territories information sheet
What is the application process? Can I complete it online?
There are several steps to getting your first driver's license and the process can vary depending on your age and driving experience. You can apply for a car or motorbike learner's permit from age 16 and a moped learner's permit from age 151/2.
Study the Drive Safe and Ride Safe handbooks and prepare yourself for the computerised theory test.
Download and complete the driver's licence application form.
Visit a Driver and Vehicle Services Centre or regional agent with your application form and identification to take the theory test.
You will need to pay the computerised test fee, new driver application fee and Learner Guide and Log Book fee.
Download the Learn&Log app.
Is there an application fee? Is there a waiver option if I cannot afford to pay it?
The cost of Learner licence depends on validity period of your licenses.
Example under Queensland Jurisdiction, learner license fee issued for 3 years is $75.00.
Please refer to your respective State and Territory factsheet.
How old do I have to be to apply for an state driver's license by myself?
All states and territories in Australia have a different minimum age for getting driver licenses. Please see each jurisdiction.
Example:
Australian Capital TerritoryAccess Canberra jurisdiction,
Minimum age for learner permit is 15 years,
9 months
Minimum age for P1 license is 17 years
What can I do if I do not have a parent or guardian who can go with me (and the application says I have to have one)?
As the responsibility for regulation and issuing of driver's licenses rests with State and Territory governments, please refer to your State or Territories information sheet
At what age can I get a driver's license card by myself?
You can apply for a car or motorbike learner's permit from age 16 and a moped learner's permit from age 151⁄2.
Are there any special provisions for foster youth (children in custody of the government)?
Please refer to your State or Territories information sheet
Are there any special provisions for homeless youth?
Please refer to your State or Territories information sheet
Will I have to take a test?
Yes - if you do not already have a foreign license from a certain list of countries.
Please refer to your State or Territories information sheet for further information.
If applicable, do I have to make an appointment to take the test?
Please refer to your State or Territories information sheet.
Where can I take the driving test? What can I do if I cannot get to a testing location?
Please refer to your State or Territories information sheet.
Do I need to get a permit or authorization to practice driving before I get my driver's license?
Only the standard learners permit.
Australian Driver Licensing | Austroads
What is the document detailing a person's birth called in this country?
A birth certificate.
Each Australian child's birth must be registered in the state or territory they are born in, after which a Birth Certificate can be issued by the relevant state or territory registry.
I'm not sure I have a birth certificate, what can I do to find out if I have one and where to get it?
Birth Certificates are issued on a state or territory level. The process for checking if you have one and where to get it differs within each state or territory. Please refer to the information sheet for the state or territory you believe you were born in for links to the respective registry.
You can check whether you have a birth certificate through myGov online; however, you will need to know or have access to some basic information relating to you birth, such as your name at birth and date of birth.
If you are unable to check using this process, you may want to check whether you can order a new birth certificate. In Australia, birth certificates are managed by state registers, as opposed to nationally. Contact the registry for the state where you were (or think you were) born.
How do I get a copy of my birth certificate?
You can obtain a copy of your birth certificate by lodging an application with the respective registry of the state or territory you were born in.
If you search "order birth certificate" and the state in which you were born online, you should click on the relevant link to the state registry and follow the steps to place the order. They will send this to you virtually and/or in the mail. You will need to provide government approved forms of identification to get a copy of your birth certificate.
Can I order my birth certificate online?
Yes. Each state or territory has different rules for ordering a birth certificate, please see the fact sheet of the state or territory you were born in to determine if you can order it online.
What documents will I need to get my birth certificate?
Each state or territory has its own documentational requirements to get a birth certificate. Please see the information sheet for the state or territory you were born in to check the documentational requirements.
However, in summary, you will need to provide at least three forms of current identity.
- Australian birth certificate (if born in Australia), citizenship certificate (if not born in Australia), New Zealand citizenship certificate together with passport (if New Zealand citizen) or New Zealand birth certificate (if born in New Zealand); and
- Australian driver's licence, Australian passport, firearms licence, foreign passport or proof of age card; and
- Medicare card, Centrelink or Department of Veterans Affairs card, Security / Crowd Control licence or tertiary education institution identification card.
If you cannot provide a document from each of the three categories, you still need to provide three forms of identity, with at least two being from category 3.
If you cannot meet these requirements, you will need to contact the relevant state birth registry.
What happens if I don't have some or all of the documents that are required?
Each state or territory has its own documentational requirements to get a birth certificate. Please see the information sheet for the state or territory you were born in to determine the process you must follow if you do not have some or all of the documents required.
How old do I have to be to get a copy of my birth certificate by myself?
There is no national age mandating when you can get a copy of your birth certificate, the age is set by each state or territory. Please see the information sheet for the state or territory you were born in to locate how old you have to be to get a copy of your birth certificate.
What can I do if I do not have a parent or guardian who can go with me to get a birth certificate (and the application says I have to have one)?
The requirements for obtaining a birth certificate differ in each state or territory. Please see the information sheet for the state or territory you were born in to determine what you can do in this situation.
What is the cost to get a birth certificate?
Each state or territory is responsible for setting the cost of a birth certificate. Please see the information sheet for the state or territory you were born in to determine how much your birth certificate will cost.
Is there a waiver if I cannot afford the fee?
Each state or territory is responsible for determining if a waiver can apply. Please see the information sheet for the state or territory you were born in.
Are there any special laws or provisions that can help get a birth certificate if I have been in the foster care system (children in custody of the government)?
Birth certificates are issues by the state or territory in Australia that you were born in. Please see the relevant state or territory fact sheet.
Whilst these may vary state by state, and there are limited specific provisions in relation to this, most state birth registries encourage individuals who require assistance to contact their relevant state service centre. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals, including those who are victims of the Stolen Generations or other displacement, there are typically specific hotlines and support lines to contact for assistance.
Are there any special laws or provisions that can help get a birth certificate if I am homeless?
Birth certificates are issues by the state or territory in Australia that you were born in. Please see the relevant state or territory fact sheet.
However, generally if you are unable to provide a mailing address, you cannot typically order a birth certificate online. Instead, you should attend your relevant state service centre, where they can assist you further.
Where do I get my birth certificate if I was born in another country?
Each country has different requirements for obtaining your birth certificate. If you were born in another country, your foreign birth certificate needs to be issued by that other country. In most cases, you will need to go to that country's embassy or consulate to get the birth certificate.
Is there a way to get my birth certificate without going somewhere in person?
Yes.
Provided that you have the necessary documentation to submit the application online, you do not have to go somewhere in person. Check the requirements to submit an online application with your relevant state registry.
Where can I find information online about getting a birth certificate?
Birth certificates are issues by the state or territory in Australia that you were born in. Please see the relevant state or territory fact sheet.
What vital doc should I start with to change my name? Is the process easier for one of the IDs?
The answer depends on which state you are in. Once you have changed your name at the State level, you can update your name at the federal level through Centrelink.
- New South Wales: Change of name | NSW Government
- Queensland: Changing your name as an adult | Your rights, crime and the law | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)
- Victoria: Change a name | Births Deaths and Marriages Victoria (bdm.vic.gov.au)
- Western Australia: Changing your name | Western Australian Government (www.wa.gov.au)
- South Australia: SA.GOV.AU - Register a change of name (www.sa.gov.au)
- Tasmania: Births, Deaths and Marriages : Change of name (justice.tas.gov.au)
- Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Change of name registration (act.gov.au)
- Northern Territory (NT): Legally change your name | NT.GOV.AU
How do I change my name on my birth certificate?
Depending on which state. See the link provided in the response to the first question.
How do I change my name on my National ID?
Depending on which state. See the link provided in the response to the first question.
How do I change my name on my driver's license?
Depending on which state. See the link provided in the response to the first question.
At what age can I change my name by myself?
Depending on which state. See the link provided in the response to the first question.
What can I do if I have no parent or guardian and want to change my name and do not have anyone who can help me?
Depending on which state. See the link provided in the response to the first question.
What vital doc should I start with to change my gender marker? Is the process easier for one of the IDs?
Depending on the state:
- New South Wales: Change of sex | NSW Government
- Victoria: Change a record of sex | Births Deaths and Marriages Victoria (bdm.vic.gov.au)
- Tasmania: Births, Deaths and Marriages : Gender registration (justice.tas.gov.au)
- Queensland: If they were born or adopted in Queensland | Your rights, crime and the law | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)
- Western Australia: Gender Reassignment Board of Western Australia (justice.wa.gov.au)
- South Australia: SA.GOV.AU - Corrections to certificates (www.sa.gov.au)
- Australian Capital Territory: Home - Access Canberra (act.gov.au)
- Northern Territory: Register a change of sex or gender on a birth certificate | NT.GOV.AU
How do I change my gender marker on my birth certificate?
See the answer to the first question.
How do I change my gender marker on my National ID?
See the answer to the first question.
How do I change my gender marker on my driver's license?
See the answer to the first question.
At what age can I change my gender marker by myself?
See the answer to the first question.
What can I do if I don't have a parent or guardian and want to change my gender marker and do not have anyone who can help me?
Detailed information is per the link as the response to the first question.
As an example, in the Australian Capital Territory, if you are aged 12 to 13 years and are applying without the consent of your parents or guardians, or under 12 years with at least the consent of one parent or guardian, you must gain permission from the ACT Civil & Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) to apply.
See: Change your name or sex as a young person - Access Canberra (act.gov.au) and Change of identity details for young people - ACAT (act.gov.au)