Why do you need to prove your identity?
Your three current proof of identity documents help us conduct the background checks and risk assessment process. Verifying these documents is required so we can access your national police history records, through the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC).
These checks are done to make sure you are suitable to work or volunteer with vulnerable people, including children.
Why do you need to prove your identity when renewing your RWVP?
When you renew your RWVP (after five years), we conduct the background checks and risk assessment process again. So your proof of identity documents help us do this.
You need to provide three current proof of identity documents when you renew because this information is not retained from previous applications; and national proof of identity requirements have also changed, so the process for many applicants is quite different to the previous time they either applied or renewed.
This makes sure that you continue to be suitable to work or volunteer with vulnerable people, including children.
What documents do you need to prove your identity?
When you apply for a new RWVP or renew your current one, you must provide three current identity documents. These are:
- 1 Commencement of Identity document
- 1 Primary Use in the Community document
- 1 Secondary Use in the Community document (if you are renewing, this can be your current RWVP card).
See ‘Types of identity documents’ below for the complete list.
If necessary, you may also need to provide evidence of a name change. This is explained in 'If your name is different on your identity documents (applying for a RWVP)' and 'If your name is different on your RWVP card and your identity documents: renewing your RWVP' below.
Your documents:
- must be current: expired documents will not be accepted
- can be the originals, or copies that you have had certified by a Justice of the Peace, Commissioner for Declarations Notary Public, or other authorised officer.
Find a Commissioner for Declarations.
Watch our short video below to understand proof of identity requirements.
Types of identity documents
Commencement of Identity documents
- Australian passport
- Australian visa
- must be current as at the time of your entry to Australia as a resident or tourist, or a current visa document
- if you are providing this as a Commencement of Identity document, you must also upload a copy of your passport.
- if you do not have evidence of your current visa, you can contact the Australian Department of Home Affairs
- ImmiCard
- must be issued by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and enables the cardholder to prove their visa and/or migration status and enrol in services
- Australian citizenship certificate
- Australian birth certificate.
Photo examples
Primary Use in Community documents
- Australian passport
- Australian drivers licence
- learner permits and provisional licences issued by a state or territory are also accepted
- Foreign passport issued by another country other than Australia with a valid entry stamp or visa
- Proof of Age or Photo Identity Card
- must be issued by an Australian Government agency and include the name and a photo of the applicant
- Australian Student Identification Card
- only acceptable for use by people under 18 years of age with no other Primary Use in Community documents
- must include a signature or photo.
Photo examples
Secondary Use in Community documents
- RWVP card (when renewing)
- Medicare card
- Bank card or credit card issued by Australian bank, credit union or building society
- Australian secondary or tertiary student photo identity document
- Enrolment with the Australian Electoral Commission
- Australian Aviation Security identification card
- Australian Maritime Security identification card
- Australian firearms licence
- Australian security guard or crowd control licence
- Evidence of right to an Australian government benefit (Centrelink or Veterans' Affairs)
- Certified academic transcript from an Australian university or a registered higher education provider
- Photo identity card issued to an officer by a police force
- Photo identity card issued by the Australian Defence Force
- Photo identity card issued by the Australian Government or a state or territory government (this may take the form of a government issued occupational licence)
- Certificate of Identity issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to refugees and non-Australian citizens for entry to Australia
- Document of Identity issued by DFAT to Australian citizens or persons who have the nationality of a Commonwealth country for travel purposes
- Convention travel document secondary (United Nations) issued by DFAT
- Foreign government issued documents (for example, drivers licence)
- Consular photo identity card issued by DFAT
- Credit reference check
- Trusted referees report.
This is not a complete list. See the list above for all possible secondary documents
If you do not have access to the types of documents listed above, please email us.
If your name is different on your identity documents: applying for a RWVP
If you are applying for a new RWVP, all your proof of identity documents must have your full name.
If any of your documents are in a former name (for example, your maiden name), you must provide evidence of your name change.
If you are providing a birth certificate as your Commencement document, and your other proof of identity documents are in a different surname, then you will need to provide evidence of every name change you’ve had.
Accepted evidence includes:
- change of name registration issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages, deed poll or overseas issuing authority
- marriage certificate issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages (or an interstate or overseas registry office) (decorative certificates from the day are not accepted)
- divorce papers issued by Court
- guardianship order
- relationship certificate issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages (or an interstate registry office)
- adoption papers issued by Court.
If you do not have any of these documents, you will need to contact the RWVP Unit directly for special provision requirements.
If your name is different on your RWVP card and your identity documents: renewing your RWVP
If you are renewing your RWVP, and any of your documents are in a former name (for example, your maiden name), you must provide evidence of your name change.
To do this, you will need to go into a Service Tasmania service centre with your name change documents. You must do this before you complete your renewal application.
If you are providing a birth certificate as your Commencement document, and your other proof of identity documents are in a different surname, then you will need to provide evidence of every name change you’ve had.
Accepted evidence includes:
- change of name registration issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages, deed poll or overseas issuing authority
- marriage certificate issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages (or an interstate or overseas registry office) (decorative certificates from the day are not accepted)
- divorce papers issued by Court
- guardianship order
- relationship certificate issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages (or an interstate registry office)
- adoption papers issued by Court.
If you do not have any of these documents, you will need to contact the RWVP Unit directly for special provision requirements.
To verify your identity online when renewing your RWVP, all your identity documents must have the same name as your RWVP card.
Information for applicants under 18 and their parents/legal guardians
If you are under 18, a parent/legal guardian must go to a Service Tasmania service centre with you to:
- prove their identity by meeting the same proof of identity requirements as you: that is, 1 Commencement of Identity document, 1 Primary Use in the Community document, and 1 Secondary Use in the Community documents
- prove their connection or ‘link’ to you with your birth certificate or guardianship documents
- sign the terms and conditions of your application.
Information for interstate applicants
If you are interstate and need to complete this renewal process, you may need to provide certified proof of identity documents and a photo.
Please see our fact sheet ‘How to apply for a RWVP as an interstate or overseas applicant’ for information about proof of identity requirements.