Proof of identity declaration

As well as your proof of identity documents, you will need to have the proof of identity declaration section of your form completed by a person with the appropriate authority. This person should also sign the back of a passport-size photograph of yourself.

The proof of identity declaration must be completed and signed by an Australian citizen:

• who has known you for at least one year and belongs to a designated list of occupations, and
• is not related to you by birth or marriage, and
• is easy to contact by telephone during normal working hours.

Photographs

The person that signs the declaration must also write on the back of your photograph the words: This is a true photograph of (your full name) and sign the photograph using the same signature.

The photograph must be:

• no more than six months old
• a full-face view of your head and shoulders - untinted prescription glasses can be worn, (a photograph that shows your face only is accepted, if you wear a head covering for religious reasons)
• of good quality against a plain, light coloured background (laser copies are not acceptable).

Proof of identity documents for children

Generally, proof of identity and other document requirements for children under the age of 16 years are the same for those of an adult.

For children under 6 years of age

Often children under 6 years of age have difficulty in getting copies of their documents certified and their Proof of identity and declaration form and photograph signed by a person with the appropriate authority. 

Children under 6 years of age may have copies of their documents certified and their Proof of identity and declaration form and photograph signed by an Australian citizen on the designated list of occupations who has known them for less than one year.

If the child is overseas, and no Australian citizen has known them for that time, their documents can be certified and their Proof of identity and declaration form and photograph signed by a citizen of their country of residence, who has known them for less than 12 months, and belongs to a profession or occupation on that list.

Online applications

If you are completing an online application, please use Form 1195 Proof of identity and declaration (81KB PDF file). Online applicants should take the completed form together with their endorsed photograph and original documents to their citizenship appointment.

Applicants living overseas

If you live overseas and do not know an Australian citizen, your proof of identity declaration and declaration form and photograph may be signed by a citizen in your country of residence who belongs to a profession or occupation listed in the designated list of occupations, who is not related to you by birth or marriage and who has known you for at least 12 months.