Acceptable ID for WWVP

When you apply for a Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) registration, you need to provide forms of identification.

Selecting documents

When you:

• apply online: you select which documents you want to use as proof of your identity. You then bring the originals or true certified copies to an Access Canberra Service Centre. They must be the exact documents you chose in the online form.
• apply in person: you’ll need to bring originals or true certified copies of the documents with you
• apply by post: you’ll need to send true certified copies of the documents.

Read how to apply for or renew a WWVP registration.

Forms of identity

Because of the background checks needed for a WWVP registration, you need to supply 4 forms of identity and:

• one must be a commencement proof of identity
• one must be a primary proof of identity
• two must be secondary proof of identity.

One of these documents must include a photo of you.

Your ID should have the same first and last name on each document. If these are not the same, you must provide a linking document to link the different names together. For example, a marriage certificate with your maiden and married names.

If you can’t meet the minimum proof of identity, you may be eligible for an exception. You cannot get an exception because you do not currently have one of your documents with you or if you have misplaced it.

Read the Working with Vulnerable People available proof of identity exceptions (PDF 191KB).

Commencement proof of identity

You need to provide one Commencement proof of identity document.

Any of the following are acceptable:

• a full Australian Birth Certificate (not an extract or birth card)
• a current Australian Passport (not expired)
• an Australian Visa (must be supplied with a foreign passport linked to the Visa)
• an ImmiCard issued by the Department of Home Affairs that assists the cardholder to prove their visa/migration status and enrol in services
• Australian Citizenship Certificate.

Primary proof of identity

You need to provide one Primary proof of identity document. Expired documents are not accepted.

Any of the following are acceptable:

• a current Australian driver licence, learner permit or provisional licence (including digital licences) issued by a state or territory, showing signature and/or photo and in the same name as your application (interim licence receipts are not accepted)
• a current Australian passport (if not expired or used as Commencement proof of identity)
• a current passport issued by a country other than Australia with an Australian Visa, entry stamp, or equivalent
• an ImmiCard issued by the Department of Home Affairs that assists the cardholder to prove their visa/migration status and enrol in services
• a current proof of age or photo identity card issued by an Australian government agency in your name with your date of birth, photo, and signature
• for people aged under 18 with no other Primary proof of identity documents, a student photo identity document issued by an Australian secondary school, TAFE, University, Registered Training Organisation or State Government Agency.

Secondary proof of identity

You need to provide 2 Secondary proof of identity documents. Expired documents are not accepted.

Any of the following are acceptable:

• a DFAT issued Certificate of Identity
• a DFAT issued Document of Identity
• a DFAT issued United Nations Convention Travel Document Secondary
• foreign government issued documents (for example, a driver licence from another country)
• a Medicare Card (including a digital Medicare Card)
• proof of enrolment with the Australian Electoral Commission
• a Security Guard/Crowd Control photo licence
• evidence of right to a government benefit (a DVA or Centrelink)
• a Consular photo identity card issued by DFAT
• a Police Force Officer photo identity card
• an Australian Defence Force photo identity card
• a Commonwealth or state/territory government employee photo identity card
• an Aviation Security Identification Card
• a Maritime Security Identification Card
• a credit reference check
• an Australian tertiary student photo identity document
• an Australian secondary student photo identity document
• a certified academic transcript from an Australian university
• a Firearms licence with a photo issued by State or Territory Police Agencies.
• a bank card from an Australian financial institution
• a credit card issue by an Australian financial institution

Photo requirements

One of your 4 documents must include a photo of you.

If you're applying by post, you must provide:

1. One of the following:
   • an Australian Passport Photo Card, or
   • 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. A full list of authorised people is on the Australian Government’s Attorney General website.

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

2. A photo of you holding one of your identity documents containing a photo close to your face. This must be clear enough to read your identity document and confirm it is the same one you provided in your application.

For example, if you used a current passport for your application, the photo of you, and the passport number must be clear enough to read.

Applicants with a guardian

Applicants under 18 years old (parental guardians)

You don't need a WWVP registration if you are younger than 16 years old.

If your workplace is requesting a WWVP registration, you still need to provide:

• one commencement ID, for example, your birth certificate.
• one primary proof of ID, such as a current passport or student identification card from an Australian institution.
• two secondary proofs of ID, for example a Medicare card and a bank card.
• parent or legal guardian consent.

Your parent or legal guardian who gives consent must also verify their identity.

They can do this by attending an Access Canberra service centre and:

• if they have a current WWVP registration, present their WWVP registration card; or
• provide original or certified copies of all of the following:
  • one commencement ID.
  • one primary of ID document.
  • two secondary proof of ID documents.
  • a document that proves their authority to provide consent (if their name is not on your birth certificate.

You must attend an Access Canberra service centre with your parent or legal guardian to verify your identity. A parent or legal guardian cannot do this for you.

Adults with a legally appointed guardian (Adult Guardianship)

Only a person with legal authority may lodge an application and provide consent on behalf of an adult person. For example, a guardian appointed by a state or territory tribunal.

The person with legal authority to consent must also verify their identity. They can do this by attending an Access Canberra service centre and:

• if they have a current WWVP registration, present their WWVP registration card; or
• provide original or certified copies of the following:
  • one commencement ID.
  • one primary ID document.
  • two secondary ID documents.
  • the document providing them with legal authority to act or consent on your behalf. For example, a guardianship order.

The applicant and the person with legal authority to act on their behalf must be present at a service centre for ID verification and photo capture. A person with legal authority cannot complete ID verification on the other person's behalf.