Understanding Passport Requirements for Australian and International Checks #
Yes — in most cases, you can use an expired passport for Australian police-check identification if it expired less than two years ago and has not been cancelled.
For international checks, however, a current (unexpired) passport is required.
🇦🇺 For Australian Police Checks (Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check) #
When completing your Worker Checks Police Check, an Australian or foreign passport can be used as a primary identity document if:
- It is current, or
- It has expired within the past two years, and
- It has not been cancelled.
This rule aligns with the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) identity-proofing standards used by all accredited bodies, including Worker Checks.
⚠️ Important:
Cancelled or significantly outdated passports (expired more than two years) cannot be accepted for Australian police checks.
👉 Read More on Police Check Identification Requirements ›
🌍 For International Police Checks #
If you are completing an International Police Check through Worker Checks, you must present a current, valid passport.
International agencies require active passport details to confirm your identity across overseas jurisdictions — expired documents cannot be verified.
💡 Worker Checks Tip #
To avoid delays or re-verification requests:
- Check your passport’s expiry date before starting your application.
- Ensure all personal details (name, birth date, document number) match your other identification documents.
- Upload a clear, original image of the passport — not a photocopy or scan. Our biometric matching systems require you use the original document as a fraud prevention mechanism – photocopy or scan will be rejected for biometric matching.
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