Can I use an expired passport as ID?

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Cancelled or significantly outdated passports (expired more than two years) cannot be accepted for Australian police checks.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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