Proof of identity documents

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All applicants must provide proof of their identity. To prove your identity, you must provide the following.

  1. Three (3) original documents that collectively show your:
    • photograph
    • signature
    • current residential address
    • date of birth, birth name and any changes of name
  2. Proof of identity declaration completed by a person with the appropriate authority.

If permanent residency is an eligibility requirement of your application, you must also provide evidence of your arrival in Australia.

Proof of identity documents checklist

The checklist below will help you identify suitable documents. If you have difficulty finding suitable documents please call the Citizenship Information Line. In Australia telephone 131 880 between 8.30 am and 4.40 pm Monday to Friday.

A current document with your photograph and signature

Document Checked
Current Australian driver’s licence, or  
A passport, or  
UNHCR document, or  
National identity card, or  
Other documents containing a signature and photograph such as: an air crew identity document, seafarer identity document, military identity document or student card.  

Evidence of your current residential address

Document Checked
Utilities notice such as electricity, gas or water bill, or  
Rental contracts or rates notice.  

Evidence of your date of birth, birth name and any changes of name

Document Checked
A full birth certificate, or your country's equivalent  
Marriage or divorce certificate, if applicable  
Change of name documents from an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, if applicable  
Documents showing other names that you or your children have been known by.  

Evidence of your identity in the community

Document Checked
A proof of identity declaration  

Evidence of when you first arrived in Australia

If you are applying for Australian citizenship by conferral, you are required to provide evidence of your entry to Australia.

Document Checked
A passport, or  
Other travel documents  

Children

You will need to provide documents for any children on your application too, including:

  • a travel document or passport, if they are not on your passport
  • a birth certificate showing details of their parents

If there are any parenting orders relating to your children, or they have been adopted then you will need to provide these documents too.