Proof of Identity

• What proof should I provide?
• Acceptable forms of primary identification
• Acceptable forms of secondary identification
• Common transactions when you need to prove your identity
  

When do I need proof of my identity?

There are different requirements for providing proof of your identity and age depending on whether you:

• are applying for a learner's permit
  
  
• are first applying for a WA Driver's licence
  
  
• are registering a motor vehicle
  
  
• are transferring ownership of a vehicle
  
  
• are applying for a Proof of Age Card
  
  
• have officially changed your name
  
  
• are replacing a lost or stolen driver's licence.

You can obtain a Western Australian proof of age card as proof of your age and identity.

Photocopies of originals are NOT acceptable.

What proof should I provide?

Establishing proof of your identity you need to bring along with you at least one primary proof of identity documentation and at least one secondary proof of identification.

Please note:

• At least one document must contain your signature and all items produced for Identification purposes must be ORIGINAL.

• When you are applying for a WA Driver's licence you must also prove you are a resident in WA.  This is an address at which an authority may ordinarily make personal contact with the licence holder.

Acceptable forms of primary identification documents (originals)

• An Australian passport (which has not been expired for more than two years)
  
  
• An original birth certificate or a certified copy
  
  
• A photographic drivers licence issued by any Australian licensing authority (which has not been expired for more than two years)
  
  
• A Western Australian Proof of Age card (but not an 18+card)
  
  
• A photo identity card for police or defence force personnel (this excludes identity cards issued to civilians who are employed within these organisations)
  
  
• A current overseas passport
  
  
• An Australian citizenship or naturalisation document or immigration papers issued by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs
  
  
• A current Document of Identity issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (this could be a temporary work visa or an authorisation to work in Australia)
  
  
• A consular photo identity card issued by the Department or Foreign Affairs and Trade

Acceptable forms of secondary identification documents (originals)

• A current credit card or ATM access card issued by a financial institute
  
  
• A current entitlement card issued by a Commonwealth Government department (for example, a Medicare card or Pension card)
  
  
• A passbook or account statement from a bank, building society or credit union not more than 12 months old
  
  
• A telephone, gas or electricity account not more than 12 months old
  
  
• A water or local rate notice or land valuation notice not more than two years old
  
  
• An electoral enrolment card or other evidence of enrolment not more than two years old
  
  
• Armed Services discharge papers not more than 12 months old
  
  
• A certificate or statement of accomplishment or enrolment from a recognised educational institution
  
  
• A letter, not more than 12 months old, from the principal of a recognised educational institution.
  
  
• A State or Federal Government employee photo identity card

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Common transactions when you need to prove your identity

When applying for a driver's licence for the first time, you will need to prove your age and identity by presenting one form of primary and one form of secondary identification. The identification documents must be originals or certified copies from the issuing body and at least one must show your signature.

When renewing your drivers licence and you do not have a photo already on your licence, you must produce original primary and secondary identification.

When you are applying for a WA Driver's licence you must also prove you are a resident in WA. This is an address at which an authority may ordinarily make personal contact with the licence holder.

Note: that a place of employment is not to be used as a residential address.

Documents such telephone accounts, council rate notices and bank statements may be included to confirm your residential address.

For applicants living with parents / legal guardians proof of parents / legal guardians residence will be sufficient.

If you have officially changed your name you must supply one form of primary and one form of secondary identification. You must also provide one of the following to support a change of name.

• Marriage Certificate; or
  
  
• Divorce Papers.
  
  
• Change of Name certificate, deed poll papers or licence to change name documentation.
  

Transfer of Ownership or Registering a vehicle

The following documents are acceptable as proof of identity:

• A Western Australian photographic driver's licence.
  
  
• Where a person does not hold a Western Australian drivers licence, original primary and secondary identification documents must be produced.

If you are a registered company (corporate body) or other incorporated organisation (Association, Union, Club, Foundation etc.):

• Your Australian Company Number ('ACN'); or
  
  
• A certificate of incorporation of a Public Company as issued under the Corporations Law (1989); or
  

• Any other certificate of incorporation issued under Australian law.

Non-corporate organisations

From 1 January 2006, un-incorporated bodies will not be eligible to apply for the grant or transfer or a vehicle licence. Only legal entities will be able to have a licence issued to them.

Any un-incorporated bodies wanting to licence a vehicle must either become incorporated or nominate an eligible owner/licence holder.

To find out more information on these changes, please visit out Road Traffic Amendment Act 2000 section.

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