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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 territory and country?
NT evidence of age card.
What is the process for getting an ID card?
To apply for an NT evidence of age card, you must be either an NT resident or aged 18 and over. To apply, you must:
- collect supporting document for evidence of your identity and residency;
- fill in the application for evidence of age card form here;
- submit the form with supporting documents in person at an Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) office (to find an MVR office, please click here); and
- pay the fee which is currently $28.00 (noting that a concession might apply).
After your application is made, your card will be sent to your recorded postal address. If there are any errors when you receive the card, you must contact MVR as soon as possible.
In the case you are unable to provide the required documents, you should contact MVR to discuss your particular circumstance.
Source: https://nt.gov.au/driving/mvr-services/apply-for-nt-evidence-of-age-card
Where can I find information online about getting an ID?
You can find information on the Northern Territory Government information and services website: https://nt.gov.au/driving/mvr-services/apply-for-nt-evidence-of-age-card
What documents do I have to have to get an ID? Is there any document that I must have to get an ID?
To establish your identity, you can either supply: one category A document and two category B documents or, two category A documents and one category B document. Please see the list of both category A and B documents here.
Your NT residential address is shown on any of your identity documents. If you cannot provide evidence of your NT residential address on the documents you provide, you must also present a fourth document that proves you are an NT resident. These documents are also provided here.
If you cannot provide any category A or B identity documents, you should contact a Motor Vehicle Registry office or call 1300 654 628.
What if my documents do not have my correct name/address?
You have the right to apply to correct personal information about you held by Northern Territory public sector organisations. You can apply to have information about you correct on the grounds that is it inaccurate, incomplete or out of date. You can apply in writing to the government organisation that holds the information and the organisation can:
- Make the correction you specify;
- Make a different correction; or
- Refuse to correct the information.
If the organisation does not make the correction you specified, you are entitled to request the organisation to take reasonable steps to associate with the information of your opinion that the information is inaccurate, incomplete or out of date. There is no fee to make an application.
Source: https://infocomm.nt.gov.au/correcting-information/overview
What if I only have foreign documents?
The documents provided must be in English – if they are not in English, they must be translated by either the Department of Home Affairs of an accredited translator at the Interpreter and Translator Service NT.
To make a booking with the Interpreting and Translating Service NT:
- Fill in the translation request form here;
- Check the fee here; and
- Submit the form in person, by email or mail to: Interpreting and Translating Service NT
What happens if my documents are not accepted to get an ID card?
If your documents are not accepted you should contact the Northern Territory Government.
Do I have to be a resident of the territory to get an ID card?
You must be a resident of the Northern Territory to apply for this card.
Source: https://nt.gov.au/driving/mvr-services/apply-for-nt-evidence-of-age-card
What does it mean to be a resident of this territory? How do I prove residency?
Resident of Australia: You're an Australian resident if your domicile (the place that is your permanent home) is in Australia, unless we are satisfied that your permanent place of abode is outside Australia. A domicile is a place that is your permanent home by law.
Proving residency: to prove you are a resident of the NT for the purpose of applying for an identity document, your NT residential address must be down on any of your identity documents provided in your application.
Source: https://nt.gov.au/driving/mvr-services/apply-for-nt-evidence-of-age-card
What can I do if I do not have residency in this territory?
If you are not a resident of the NT you will not be able to apply for a NT evidence of age card.
Will I need a mailing address? What can I do if I am homeless?
You are required to be a resident of the NT and accordingly, have a valid mailing address.
Source: https://nt.gov.au/driving/mvr-services/apply-for-nt-evidence-of-age-card
What is the application process? Can I complete it online?
Some of the process can be completed online. The application form for an evidence of age card is found here. However, the form and supporting documents required for the application must be submitted in person at an MVR office.
Source: https://nt.gov.au/driving/mvr-services/apply-for-nt-evidence-of-age-card
Is there an application fee? Is there a waiver option if I cannot afford to pay it?
The fee for an evidence of age card is $28.00. However, if you're an NT Concession Scheme cardholder, you can get a free evidence of age card. You must show your current concession card.
How old do I have to be to apply for an ID card by myself?
You must be 18 years old or over to be able to apply for an ID card.
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)?
Not applicable. A guardian is not required.
At what age can I get an ID card by myself?
You must be 18 years old or over to be able to apply for an ID card.
Are there any special provisions for foster youth (children in custody of the government)?
It does not appear that there are any special provisions.
Are there any special provisions for homeless youth?
It does not appear that there are any special provisions.
However, you may be able to get assistance from providers such as Tangentyere Council. Tangentyere Council provides a range of services to address financial hardship and the difficulty in the procurement of identification documents experienced by both local and regional community members.
https://www.tangentyere.org.au/emergency-assistance
Will I have to take a test?
N/A
If applicable, do I have to make an appointment to take the test?
N/A
What organization issues a driver's license in this territory?
To apply for a driver licence, you must also be a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) customer. To become a customer, you must go to an MVR office with evidence of your identity and NT residency. https://nt.gov.au/driving/licence/getting-an-nt-licence/get-your-driver-licence
What is the process for getting a driver's license?
Before getting an open/full licence, you must get all of the below in the following order:
- learner licence (L plate)
- provisional licence (P plate).
If you live in a remote region, read about driver licences for remote residents.
Before you apply, you must learn the road rules by:
- studying the NT Road Users' Handbook and taking a practice theory test or
- enrolling in the DriveSafe NT program.
Ultimately, you have to first obtain your learner's driver licence, then learn to drive and practice with supervision, pass the practical driving test and get your provisional licence and become a full licenced after serving the required years on Ps.
https://nt.gov.au/driving/licence/getting-an-nt-licence/get-your-driver-licence
Where can I find information online about getting a driver's license?
and
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?
You must provide Evidence of Identity (EOI) and Evidence of NT Residency (EOR). https://darwindrivingschool.com.au/get-a-learner-licence-in-darwin/
What if I only have foreign documents?
If you cannot provide any of the documents, you can contact MVR by calling 1300 654 628, or visit your nearest MVR office.
What happens if my documents are not accepted to get a driver's license?
If your documents are not accepted you should contact the NT Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) and see if there are alternative documents that can be provided.
If you have enrolled with DriveSafeNT, they can also give you advice and assistance with providing your evidence of identity and residency.
https://nt.gov.au/driving/licence/getting-an-nt-licence/driver-licence-for-remote-residents
Do I have to be a resident of the state to get a driver's license?
To be eligible, you must: be over the age of 16 and a Northern Territory Resident. become a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) customer. https://ablis.business.gov.au/service/nt/driver-licence/3245#:~:text=Eligibility%20requirements,Motor%20Vehicle%20Registry%20(MVR)%20customer
What does it mean to be a resident of this state? How do I prove residency?
It means that you are living in NT permanently.
To prove your residency, you can provide several documents from category A and category B that specifies your residential address. Or you can provide any other documents of NT residency.
What can I do if I do not have residency in this state?
Driving in the NT for new residents and visitors
If you're a new Northern Territory (NT) resident or visitor, you can drive with your interstate or overseas licence for up to 3 months.
You can do so if:
- your licence is current and written in English
- you haven't been disqualified from driving in the NT or anywhere else
- you carry your licence with you at all times whilst driving.
If you are not a NT resident, you cannot obtain a NT driver's licence.
Will I need a mailing address? What can I do if I am homeless?
You are required to have a mailing address in order to apply for a driver's licence in the Northern Territory. If you do not have a fixed address, you can contact an MVR to discuss your particular circumstance.
If you have enrolled with DriveSafeNT, they can also give you advice and assistance with providing your evidence of identity and residency.
https://nt.gov.au/driving/licence/getting-an-nt-licence/driver-licence-for-remote-residents
What is the application process? Can I complete it online?
You can apply for you licence by following these steps:
- Pass the theory test and get your learner driver licence;
- Learn to drive and practise with supervision;
- Pass the practical driving test and get your provisional licence; and
- Upgrade to a full licence.
Source: https://nt.gov.au/driving/licence/getting-an-nt-licence/get-your-driver-licence
Is there an application fee? Is there a waiver option if I cannot afford to pay it?
Tests and examinations:
- Theory test $20
- DriveSafe NT driver education enrolment $110 (see more information below)
Learner, provisional and restricted licence:
- Learner licence: $27
- Provisional licence (under 25 years of age): $55
- Provisional licence (25 years of age or over): $36
https://nt.gov.au/driving/licence/fees/driver-and-rider-licence-fees
DriveSafe NT Program
DriveSafe NT is a Northern Territory Government Driver Education and Licensing Program that is available to any Territory resident over the age of 16.
As a student in the DriveSafe NT program, you will receive education and training by qualified driving instructors and assessors as well as more than $600 in subsidies towards obtaining a drivers licence.
Note that there is a $110 enrolment fee.
https://www.drivesafe.nt.gov.au/
Concessions
Members of the Northern Territory (NT) Concession Scheme can receive a concession at MVR on their NT driver licence or motor vehicle registration. You can get free renewal on your driver licence and up to $154 per annum for vehicle registration ($77 for six months).
The NT driver licence concession covers the cost of the driver licence renewal.
To receive the concession, you must provide your membership number to a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) office when renewing either your:
- vehicle registration
- NT driver licence.
Find out more information here.
How old do I have to be to apply for a driver's license by myself?
You need to be at least 16 years old to apply for a driver licence.
https://nt.gov.au/driving/licence/getting-an-nt-licence/get-your-driver-licence
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)?
You do not need a parent or guardian to attend with you.
At what age can I get a driver's license card by myself?
You need to be at least 16 years old to apply for a driver licence.
https://nt.gov.au/driving/licence/getting-an-nt-licence/get-your-driver-licence
Are there any special provisions for foster youth (children in custody of the government)?
It does not appear that there are any special provisions.
Are there any special provisions for homeless youth?
It does not appear that there are any special provisions.
Will I have to take a test?
Yes. To be eligible for a driver's license, you must:
- pass an eye test
- pass a theory test to receive your learner driver's licence
- pass a practical driving test to receive your provisional driver's licence.
Source: https://ablis.business.gov.au/service/nt/driver-licence/3245
If applicable, do I have to make an appointment to take the test?
To get your P plates, you must pass your practical driving test. You can book for the practical driving test with an authorised driving examiner. Please see the list here for driving examiners in the listed areas within the NT.
Source: https://nt.gov.au/driving/licence/getting-an-nt-licence/get-your-driver-licence
Where can I take the driving test? What can I do if I cannot get to a testing location?
The areas where you can book an authorised driving examiner can be found here. You will need to attend the testing location in order to take the driving test.
If you are a remote resident in the NT, you can apply for a driver licence through the DriveSafe NT remote program. This may be able to assist you with, and ensuring that you get to your testing location.
https://nt.gov.au/driving/licence/getting-an-nt-licence/driver-licence-for-remote-residents
Do I need to get a permit or authorization to practice driving before I get my driver's license?
Yes, you need to get your learner's permit before you can learn to drive and practice with supervision.
What is the document detailing a person's birth called in this territory?
It is called Birth certificate.
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?
You can request a search, but you must:
- contact the Births, Deaths and Marriages office to request the search
- provide identification documents
- pay for the search - check the fee.
- You can be given information on:
- registration details
- the person's name
- the date and place of birth, marriage or death.
- Other details may be available.
https://nt.gov.au/law/bdm/search-births-deaths-and-marriages-records
How do I get a copy of my birth certificate?
You can:
- collect your certificate from Darwin or Alice Springs Births, Deaths and Marriages office - you must provide identification documents
- have your certificate mailed using person-to-person registered mail and collect it from an Australia Post branch - you must show identification on collection.
https://nt.gov.au/law/bdm/apply-for-birth-death-or-marriage-certificate
Can I order my birth certificate online?
If you apply in person, you will receive your certificate immediately.
Your application will take at least 3 days from when the Births, Deaths and Marriages office receives your application if you apply:
- online
- by mail
- by fax.
This does not include postage time. You must allow time for this.
If you need your certificate urgently, contact the Births, Deaths and Marriages office.
https://nt.gov.au/law/bdm/apply-for-birth-death-or-marriage-certificate
What documents will I need to get my birth certificate?
You must provide a minimum of three (3) types of acceptable identification from the lists below.
Identification must include at least one (1) type of photo ID from Category A and at least two (2) types of ID from Category B.
- If applying in person, you must provide original identification documents.
- If applying by post, you must provide certified photocopies of each identity document. Do not post original documents unless it is your NT birth certificate or previous change of name certificate.
Category A – provide at least one
- Passport (Australian or overseas issued)
- Australian drivers licence
- Firearms licence
- Tertiary student ID card with photo
- Australian Evidence of Age Card (18+ Card)
- Photographic ID issued by Larrakia Nation or
- Tangentyere Council
- Police Service ID
- Defence Force ID
- NT Ochre Card
- (Any other photographic ID deemed by the Registrar to be sufficient)
Category B – provide at least two
- Australian birth certificate
- Australian citizenship certificate
- Immi Card
- Centrelink Health Care Card
- Centrelink Pension/Concession Card
- Government employee ID
- Overseas birth certificate with translation
- Medicare
- Credit card/debit card or passbook
- Phone bill/electricity bill
- Bank statement
- Change of name certificate or deed poll
- Tax assessment notice
- ID letter from an Aboriginal community
- Student letter of enrolment
- NT Security ID
- (Any other evidence deemed by the Registrar to be sufficient)
What happens if I don't have some or all of the documents that are required?
When you don't have the required documents, you can provide:
- Certified copies of whatever identity documents you can provide. These documents must show your name, and
- A statutory declaration that:
- states that you can't meet our standard identity requirements, and
- provides some information about why you can't provide these documents.
When you provide these documents, include your contact details (and order number, if you have one). This will help us connect them to your application and follow up with you if we need to.
https://www.bdm.vic.gov.au/proving-your-identity/result-you-dont-have-the-required-documents
How old do I have to be to get a copy of my birth certificate by myself?
People over the age of 18 can make an application directly whereas if you are under 18 years of age, your parents or guardians will need to make the application on your behalf.
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)?
If you do not have a parent or guardian to make an application on your behalf, you can wait until you turn 18 when you can make an application yourself.
What is the cost to get a birth certificate?
Its $52
Is there a waiver if I cannot afford the fee?
It is unclear whether you can apply for a waiver of a birth certificate fee. The Northern Territory Government Information and Services website provides the contact email for the Births, Deaths and Marriages registrar being agd.registrargeneral@nt.gov.au. Additionally, the contact information for individuals offices are provided in the website below.
Source: https://nt.gov.au/law/bdm/births-deaths-and-marriages-office-contacts
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)?
It does not appear that there are any particular provisions that would help someone in foster care.
Are there any special laws or provisions that can help get a birth certificate if I am homeless?
It does not appear that there are special provisions.
However, you may be able to get assistance from providers such as Tangentyere Council. Tangentyere Council provides a range of services to address financial hardship and the difficulty in the procurement of identification documents experienced by both local and regional community members.
https://www.tangentyere.org.au/emergency-assistance
Where do I get my birth certificate if I was born in another country?
You will need to contact the relevant overseas registry who maintains records of births. If an overseas birth certificate cannot be obtained, then each person with parental responsibility must complete a B6 – Child born overseas and no birth certificate form found here. This application can only be made if obtaining a birth certificate from an overseas jurisdiction is genuinely impossible, not if it is inconvenient or time-consuming.
Source: https://www.passports.gov.au/getting-passport-how-it-works/documents-you-need/identity
Is there a way to get my birth certificate without going somewhere in person?
You can apply online. https://nt.gov.au/law/bdm/apply-for-birth-death-or-marriage-certificate
Where can I find information online about getting a birth certificate?
https://nt.gov.au/law/bdm/apply-for-birth-death-or-marriage-certificate
https://nt.gov.au/law/bdm/identification-documents-for-birth,-death-or-marriage-certificates
What vital doc should I start with to change my name? Is the process easier for one of the IDs?
You must submit your application with the following, by mail or in person to a Births, Deaths and Marriages office:
- proof of identity documents and evidence of any previous name changes e.g., ...
- a detailed reason for changing your name - statements like 'I want to' or 'personal' are not detailed enough.
To change your name in the Northern Territory (NT), you must be:
- over 18 years old
- one of the following:
- born in the NT
- born overseas and a resident of the NT for at least 12 consecutive months.
If you were born interstate, you must change your name in that state or territory.
Find out more info here: https://nt.gov.au/law/bdm/legal-change-of-name/legally-change-your-name
How do I change my name on my birth certificate?
If you were born in the NT, you can choose to change your birth certificate to your new name.
To do this, you must:
- give consent on on your application
- return your previously issued birth certificate.
If you can't provide your previous birth certificate, fill in and attach the statutory declaration.
If you were not born in the NT, contact the Births, Deaths and Marriages office where you were born.
You must sign the application in front of a witness over 18 years old.
You must submit your application with the following, by mail or in person to a Births, Deaths and Marriages office:
- proof of identity documents and evidence of any previous name changes e.g., change of name, marriage or birth certificate
- a detailed reason for changing your name - statements like 'I want to' or 'personal' are not detailed enough
- a marriage certificate if you're changing your name after getting married
- payment for the change of name fee - check the fee
- statutory declaration (if applicable)
- supporting documents if you were born overseas.
https://nt.gov.au/law/bdm/legal-change-of-name/legally-change-your-name
How do I change my name on my ID?
Fill out this form: https://nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/209872/change-of-name-certificate-application.pdf
How do I change my name on my driver's license?
If you change your name, address or other contact details, you must notify the Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR).
To change your name on your driver licence and registration certificate, you must go to an MVR office with:
- your evidence of identity and residency - at least one category A and two category B documents, or two category A documents and one category B document and
- a change of name certificate issued by an Australian Births, Deaths and Marriages office.
At what age can I change my name by myself?
18 years old. https://nt.gov.au/law/bdm/legal-change-of-name/legally-change-your-name
What can I do if I don't have a parent or guardian and want to change my name and do not have anyone who can help me?
If you are over 18, then you can apply to the Office of Births, Deaths and Marriages, to change your name. You don't need your parents' permission to do this.
If you're under 18 and you want to change your name formally, you will generally need the permission of both of your parents/guardians. Your parents/guardians will have to apply to the Births, Deaths & Marriages office to change your name. They will also need to show some documents that prove who you are.
It's unclear what you can do if you are under 18 and have no guardian/ parents to change your name. Perhaps you can refer to court to appoint you guardian?
VISIT https://nt.gov.au/law/processes/adult-guardianship-and-orders
What vital doc should I start with to change my gender marker? Is the process easier for one of the IDs?
You will need to submit all of the following to the Births, Deaths and Marriages office by mail or in person:
- completed register change of sex or gender of adult application
- your evidence documents
- proof of identification documents
- existing birth certificate
- payment for the change of sex or gender fee - check the fee.
Evidence you need to provide
You will need to provide evidence in support of your application. This can either be:
- a statement by a medical practitioner or psychologist registered in Australia certifying that you:
- have received appropriate clinical treatment in relation to your sex or gender or
- are an intersex person
- a recognition certificate issued under any law certifying that a person has a sex or gender that is different to the sex or gender specified for that person in the register.
https://nt.gov.au/law/bdm/register-a-change-of-sex-or-gender-on-a-birth-certificate
How do I change my gender marker on my birth certificate?
The old birth certificate must be returned to the Births, Deaths and Marriages office. You can request to have the old birth certificate returned to you. It will be cancelled and stamped. You will no longer be able to use it for official legal purposes.
It is an offence to produce a birth certificate that shows your previous sex or gender.
How do I change my gender marker on my ID?
Unfortunately some trans and gender diverse people may have limited ability to change their gender status on some formal documents.
What steps are involved with making a change?
The steps for applying to change your gender status on formal documents differs depending on whether the document you would like to change is issued by:
- a state or territory government organisation
OR
- a federal government organisation
Visit here to get more information about different types of IDs in this regard.
How do I change my gender marker on my driver's license?
Driver's licences issued in the Northern Territory do not state your gender. If you want to change your name on your licence, you can attend a Northern Territory Motor Vehicle Registry with:
- Your current drivers licence (or if you don't have one, sufficient ID)
- A change of name certificate issued by Births, Death and Marriages
https://justiceconnect.org.au/resources/how-to-update-your-gender-on-formal-documents-nt/
At what age can I change my gender marker by myself?
You have to be 19 year or older.
Or
If you are between 16 - 18 years of age and living independently from parents, then you can also
- complete the Change of Sex Designation 16- 18 years of age, Independent Minor form.
- Return all previously issued birth certificates.
- Complete an Application for Certificate of Birth/Marriage/Death.
- Include payment for the change of your birth registration ($33) and a new NWT birth certificate ($22).
What can I do if I have no parent or guardian and want to change my gender marker and do not have anyone who can help me?
Unclear, however the court may appoint you a legal guardian upon your request.
Visit https://nt.gov.au/law/processes/adult-guardianship-and-orders for all guardianship information.