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Apply for or renew a WWVP registration

Check if you need a WWVP registration

Not all positions that involve contact with vulnerable people need a Working with Vulnerable People registration.

Before you apply for WWVP registration, make sure you need a WWVP background check.

Cost to apply or renew

The WWVP application and renewal fee is:

  • $157 if your registration is for paid work, or paid work and volunteering,
  • free if your registration is for volunteer work only.

You can pay the fee when you apply or renew online, or at an Access Canberra service centre.

We only accept payment by VISA or Mastercard.

You cannot get a refund on this fee.

What you’ll need to apply

You’ll need 4 identity documents. One must have your photograph.

The documents you choose must include:

  • 1 commencement document (for example, your full Australian birth certificate)
  • 1 primary document (for example, your driver licence)
  • 2 secondary documents (for example, your Medicare card and a credit card).

For other documents you could use, check the identity documents for WWVP registration.

If all your identity documents do not have your current name

You must also provide ‘linking’ documents showing any name changes.

For example, if your birth certificate is in a previous name, you could provide your marriage certificate if it includes your previous name. If your name has changed more than once through marriage, you’ll need to show multiple marriage certificates.

We cannot process your application without linking documents that prove any name changes.

If you have a criminal history

You'll also need details about your criminal history. This includes all charges or convictions for relevant offences.

Apply for a WWVP registration

Fill in the application form

This takes about 30 minutes.

To apply online:

  • You must have an ACT Digital Account, and
  • You must have given name(s) and a surname.

You cannot apply online if you only have given names, or a surname.

I have a Digital Account

Log in to your Digital Account to start your application.

I do not have a Digital Account

You can create a digital account.

Once you create your account, you will need to link to the WWVP service to start an application.

After you submit the form:

  • You’ll get an email with your receipt and application number.
  • You have 30 days to get your identity documents verified at an Access Canberra service centre.

If you cannot use the online form

Apply at Access Canberra

To apply at an Access Canberra service centre:

  1. Bring your 4 proof of identity documents (and any linking documents for name changes) to an  Access Canberra Service Centre. These can be originals or true certified copies.
  2. Ask for an application form to fill in. You can also ask for help to fill in the online form using one of the service centre computers.

Apply by post

To apply by post:

  1. Call Access Canberra on 13 22 81.
  2. Ask us to send you an application form.
  3. Have your four identity documents certified (including any linking documents for name changes).

Verify your identity

You must verify your identity with Access Canberra. You can do this by:

Visiting an Access Canberra service centre with your identity documents

You must bring with you:

  • the same 4 documents you selected in the online form and any linking documents for name changes. These can be originals or true certified copies.
  • a VISA or Mastercard to pay the fee if you did not pay it when you applied online.

We will check your documents to confirm your identity and take your photo for your WWVP registration card.

Find out what to do when you get your photo taken at a service centre .

If you cannot attend an Access Canberra service centre, you must send:

  • Certified copies of all of your identity documents and any linking documents for name changes.
  • 2 recent identical 'passport standard' photos.

    These must have an authorised person under the Statutory Declarations Act 1959 (Cth) endorse the back of at least one photo.

    You can see a full list of authorised people on the Australian Government’s Attorney General website.

    The endorsement must read 'This is a true photo of (your full name)'.

  • A clear photo of you holding one of your identity documents that contains a photo. This must be one of the documents you provide to Access Canberra.

These documents can be sent to: Access Canberra – WWVP.

Postal details are available on the Contact Us page.

Your background check will only start if this step is complete.

Your background screening starts

The background check decides whether you’re suitable to hold a registration under the WWVP scheme. It includes a nationally coordinated criminal history check, which is different from employment police checks.

We'll use the background check to decide if you need a risk assessment .

Receive your WWVP registration

If we approve your registration, you’ll get your WWVP registration card in the mail. The card has:

  • your registration number
  • the WWVP registration type
  • any restrictions or conditions that apply to your registration
  • your name
  • the registration expiry date.

Your WWVP registration lasts 5 years.

You’ll receive one of the following registration types.

Positive unrestricted registration

You can work or volunteer in all regulated activities in the ACT, including those involving children.

If you received a National Disability Insurance Scheme worker clearance, you can use it in any state or territory.

Positive registration with restrictions

Restrictions mean you cannot work or volunteer in NDIS activities that require worker clearance, and your registration will have restrictions for at least one of the following:

  • working with children
  • the types of regulated activities or services you can work or volunteer in.

Your letter will explain the restrictions of your registration.

We will tell the employer you nominated on your application form. We will not tell them the reasons for our decision, unless you give us consent.

You may be able to ask us to review our decision to issue you a restricted registration. Your letter will explain if you have the right to a decision review .

If we do not approve your registration

You’ll get a letter or an email explaining why. Read more about how we decide if you should be registered.

If your registration was refused or cancelled, you can reapply 5 years from the date we made this decision.

Check your WWVP application status

To check the progress of your application, you can either:

How long it takes to get a WWVP registration

The average processing time is currently 5 weeks.

How long it takes depends on:

  • the types of checks you need
  • if the details you’ve given are correct
  • if your application is missing information.

If your application needs a risk assessment, it can take more than 60 working days. This is because:

  • we may have to wait for information from other organisations, states or territories
  • there may be pending legal considerations.
Working or volunteering while we assess your application

You may be able to work or volunteer in a regulated activity if all the following are true:

  • it’s for the employer you named in your application
  • your employer agrees you can
  • a WWVP registration holder supervises you at all times
  • you have not previously received an interim bar, negative notice, suspension or cancellation for a WWVP application or registration in the ACT or a working with children clearance in another state or territory
  • your last WWVP registration did not have conditions or restrictions.

You can be a kinship carer without any restrictions while you’re waiting for the outcome of your application.

Renew your WWVP

You will get a renewal reminder letter by email or post about 12 weeks before your registration expires.

If you lodge a renewal application before your registration expires, your registration remains valid until a decision is made about your renewal.

If you renew after your registration expires, you can only work or volunteer in regulated activities under the same conditions as a new applicant. Read Working or volunteering while we assess your application.

Before you renew

You must update your details with Access Canberra before you renew if you have changed your name or gender since your last registration. You will need to visit an Access Canberra service centre and verify your identity again. For more information see Maintain your registration.

What you'll need

To renew your registration, you'll need:

  • the unique letter ID number at the top of your renewal letter. If you lose your letter, you can call Access Canberra on 13 22 81 or email WWVP@act.gov.au.
  • your WWVP registration number
  • a VISA or Mastercard to pay the fee if you’re renewing for work.

Fill in the application form

To renew online:

  • You must have an ACT Digital Account, and
  • You must have given name(s) and a surname.

You cannot renew online if you only have given names, or a surname only. You will need to lodge your application in person at an Access Canberra service centre.

I have a Digital Account

Log in to your Digital Account to start your application.

I do not have a Digital Account

You can create a digital account.

Once you create your account, you will need to link to the WWVP service to start an application.

If you cannot use the online form, you will need to attend an Access Canberra service centre.

After you submit the renewal form

You’ll get an email saying whether you need to visit an Access Canberra service centre with your identity documents.

Maintain your registration

Your registration lasts 5 years. You can find the expiry date on your WWVP registration card.

You must tell us about the following changes and update your details.

If you're charged with, or convicted of, a new offence

If you're charged or convicted for any new relevant offences, you must tell Access Canberra within 10 days:

It is an offence if you do not tell us about any new charge, conviction or finding of guilt.

Keep your details updated

You must tell Access Canberra to update your details on your WWVP registration.

If you change your name or gender

To update your WWVP registration with your new name or gender, visit an Access Canberra service centre and bring:

  • 1 form of current photo ID
  • one extra Australian issued document showing the link between your new and previous details. For example, a marriage certificate or change of name certificate issued by a state or territory. Ceremonial and celebrant issued marriage certificates are not accepted
  • a completed change of name form (if you've changed your name).
If your contact details change

You can update your contact details including phone numbers, email and postal address either:

If you get a new job

You should update your employer details with us.

Email WWVP@act.gov.au with:

  • your new employer or company name
  • your role
  • your employer's contact name, email and phone number.

Replace your WWVP card

If you lose your card, or it's stolen, damaged or destroyed, you can get a new one.

The fee for a replacement card is $22.75.

To get a new card, you must:

  • provide your details so we can verify your identity
  • pay the replacement card fee.

After you apply to replace your card, you’ll get your new card in the mail.

Replace WWVP card