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Proof of identity for first home grants and schemes

Information on the proof of identity you will need to provide when applying for first home grants and schemes.

Here we have detailed the acceptable identification documents you'll need to complete application forms for:

Each applicant and their spouse or de facto partner must satisfy each proof of identity category.

Preferred proof of identity documents

The documents listed below are the preferred proof of identity documents.

  • As a minimum, separate documents must be provided for categories 1, 2 and 3 for each person.
  • If a current residential address is not shown in a category 2 or 3 document, a category 4 document must also be supplied.

Proof of identity documents provided with First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme applications must be certified copies. If you are unable to provide a proof of identity document, contact us.

Category 1: Primary identity document

You must provide a category 1 document

The document must show your birthname or the name used when you migrated to Australia.

Evidence of Change of Name is required if the name on any document presented is different to the name provided in the application. That is a link between former name and current name (e.g. Marriage Certificate or Change of Name Certificate issued by the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages).

If born in Australia

If born Overseas

You must provide one of the following.

DocumentRequirements
Foreign Passport and current Australian Visa issued for entry into Australia

Where your passport does not have a visa label or the visa label is not current, please contact the Department of Home Affairs to arrange a Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) report (except for New Zealand citizens).

Foreign Passport and Citizenship CertificateAustralian Citizen Certificate.
New Zealand PassportNew Zealand citizens only need to produce their New Zealand passport as their Special Category Visa issued under section 32 of the Migration Act 1958 satisfies the permanent resident requirement for the grant.
New Zealand citizens must however be living in Australia at the commencement date of the eligible transaction.

Australian Passport

Only acceptable where foreign passport is no longer available. You must provide a written statement explaining:

  • why the Foreign Passport is not available
  • the full name that was shown on the Foreign Passport
  • the date you arrived in Australia.
Category 2: Photo and signature

You must provide a category 2 document

  • Australian driver’s licence (current)
  • Passport (current)
  • Firearms licence (current)
  • NSW photo card issued by Roads and Maritime Services
Category 3: Operating in community

You must provide a category 3 document

  • Medicare card
  • Motor Vehicle Registration
  • Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs Card
  • Security guard/crowd control licence
  • Tertiary education institution ID card
  • Debit/credit card of a financial institution
Category 4: Current residential address

Only required if a current address is not shown in category 2 or 3 documents

  • Utility documents of residential address (e.g. bills for electricity, gas, water etc.)
  • Insurance Policy with current residential address
  • Statement of Account from a Financial Institution

Other acceptable proof of identity documents

If you are unable to provide sufficient preferred proof of identity documents, the following documents are required.

Category 1: Primary identity document
Place of birth Document(s) required
Australia Australian Birth Certificate issued by Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages is the only acceptable document.
Overseas Foreign Passport and one of the following:
  • Permanent Resident Certificate
  • Permanent Resident Visa
  • Certificate of Evidence of Resident Status
Category 2: Linkage between identity and person (photo and signature)

At least one of the following

DocumentDescription
Certificate of IdentityCertificate of Identity issued by Department of Foreign Affairs for one time use by Australians travelling overseas
Category 3: Evidence of identity operating in the community

At least one of the following

DocumentDescription
Change of Name CertificateChange of Name Certificate issued by a Registry of Births Deaths & Marriages. Only in cases other than change of name by marriage
Australian Marriage CertificateOriginal Australian Marriage Certificate (full) Issued by State Government agency. Not church or celebrant issued
Australian Divorce CertificateOriginal Australian Divorce Certificate (Decree nisi)
Share certificatesShare certificate issued in your name
Term depositsTerm deposit notice in your name
Other financial papersOther financial papers or documents in your name such as superannuation statements
Health Insurance cardCurrent health insurance card showing your name
Trade certificateOriginal Australian trade certificate in your name
Registration certificate from a professional boardRegistration certificate from a National or State/Territory Professional Registration Board e.g. Doctors, Nurses, Dentists, Physiotherapists and Accountants
Defence discharge papersAustralian armed services discharge papers
Motoring Association Card membershipCurrent membership card or documents issued in your name: NRMA, RACQ, RACV, RAA, RACT, RAC (WA), AANT
Education institution ID cardCurrent education institution ID card issued in your name
Category 4: Evidence of current residential address

Only required if a current address is not shown in category 2 or 3 documents

DocumentDescription
Rates noticeCurrent rates notice in your name and current address
Mortgage papersLegally drawn mortgage papers showing your name and current address
Lease or tenancy agreementFormal lease or tenancy agreement in your name and current address
Electoral enrolmentProof of electoral enrolment – card issued in your name and current address
Work notice/reports/referenceTermination notice, report or reference from employer in your name and current address, verified with employer