---
title: I was born overseas – can I use my Birth Certificate?
description: "If you were **born outside Australia**, unfortunately your **foreign birth certificate cannot be used** as one of your identity documents when completing a **Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC)** or other background screening through Worker Checks. --- ### 🚫 **Why…"
url: "https://workerchecks.com/docs/i-was-born-overseas-can-i-use-my-birth-certificate/"
updated: "2026-01-07"
category: Verification of Identity
---

# I was born overseas – can I use my Birth Certificate?

If you were **born outside Australia**, unfortunately your **foreign birth certificate cannot be used** as one of your identity documents when completing a **Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC)** or other background screening through Worker Checks.

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### 🚫 **Why Overseas Birth Certificates Aren’t Accepted**

Worker Checks (as an **ACIC-accredited provider**) must verify all identity documents through the **Australian Government’s Document Verification System (DVS)**.
Only **Australian-issued birth certificates** are supported by the DVS.

Because overseas birth certificates are not part of this database, they **cannot be digitally validated** — meaning we’re unable to confirm authenticity or match records electronically.

---

### ✅ **What You Can Use Instead**

If you were born overseas, you can provide **alternative primary identification**, such as:

- **Passport** – your current foreign or Australian passport
- **Australian Citizenship Certificate** (if applicable)
- **ImmiCard**
- **Australian Driver Licence** (with photo)

You’ll still need to supply **three valid documents** in total across the required identity categories (primary, secondary, and supporting).

> 💡 **Tip:**
> Make sure your documents are current, legible, and, if not in English, translated by a **NAATI-accredited translator**.

👉[**See Full Proof-of-Identity Requirements ›**](https://workerchecks.com/police-check-id/)

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### 🌏 **For New Migrants and Visa Holders**

Worker Checks makes it easy for people who have recently arrived in Australia or hold temporary or permanent visas to complete compliant background checks — including:

- **National Police Checks** (ACIC-accredited)
- **VEVO Right-to-Work Checks** (direct link to Home Affairs)
- **International Police Checks** (for time spent overseas)

All checks are processed **100 % online** via your secure Worker Checks portal.

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## Still Need Help?

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We’re happy to assist you in understanding your results and next steps.