What is a Commencement of Identity Document?

A commencement of identity document is official proof that you exist and when your identity started in Australia. It is usually issued when you are born here, or when you arrive or become a citizen. It is the starting point that your other ID documents build on.

Where it fits in the three ID groups #

For a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC), you need three identity documents, one from each group:

• Group 1 – proof you exist. This is your commencement of identity document.
• Group 2 – photo ID you use day to day, such as a driver licence.
• Group 3 – one more document in your name, such as a Medicare card.

You can’t use the same document in two groups, and at least one of your three documents must show your photo.

Accepted commencement of identity documents #

身份启动文件通常包括以下内容

• 完整的澳大利亚出生证明--不是摘录或出生证，也不是纪念证书
• 当前的澳大利亚护照（或在过去两年内过期但未注销的护照）
• 有效的海外护照
• 有效的澳大利亚签证（可以是签证权利在线验证 (VEVO) 记录或打印件的形式）。
• 澳大利亚公民身份证
• 由移民部签发的正式移民记录或文件
  内政部或外交和贸易部。.

Common examples #

• 出生于澳大利亚： most people use their Australian passport. No passport? A full birth certificate works in its place.
• Here on a visa: most people use their visa, shown on a VEVO check, with their foreign passport as photo ID.

Things to check before you apply #

• An Australian passport can be used if it is current or expired within the last 2 years, and not cancelled.
• A birth certificate extract, birth card or commemorative certificate can’t be used. You need the full certificate.
• Overseas birth certificates can’t be used, because they can’t be verified electronically. See I was born overseas – can I use my birth certificate?
• A VEVO check must be downloaded as a PDF within the last month and show the date and time stamp. Screenshots aren’t accepted.
• If your birth certificate is in a different name, such as a maiden name, you also need a marriage or change of name certificate. See Previous names and change of name documents.

See the full list of documents for each group: What identification documents are required for police checks?

Not sure which document to use? Chat with us between 7am and 7pm or email [email protected].