To get a certificate, you’ll usually need to prove your identity. For many of our services, you may be able to prove your identity online with Service Victoria.
Proving your identity online is the fastest way to complete your application. Births Deaths and Marriages can't control who will be verified, as this is done by an external provider.
If you can’t complete online identity verification, you can also verify your identity using certified copies of documents.
Can I prove my identity online?
To prove your identity online, you need:
- two identity documents
- a smartphone.
Identity documents
To prove your identity online you'll need two identity documents.
You will need to provide one document from category 1 and one document from category 2.
One document must have a photo.
| Category | Documents |
|---|---|
| 1 |
|
| 2 |
|
If the names on your documents don’t match
Enter your name exactly as it appears on the identity document, even if it’s different to your legal name.
If the names on your documents don’t match, you’ll also need to show a:
- Change of name certificate, or
- Marriage certificate.
The certificate must be issued by a Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in Australia. Documents must be in good condition. Damaged or worn-out documents won't work.
Smartphone
To prove your identity online, you must have a smartphone that can take a photo.
You can start your application on a computer; however the identity process must be completed on a smart phone.
It doesn't matter what brand of smartphone. You just need to be able to take a photo of yourself and upload it.
How it works
Step 1: Apply for a product
Start by applying for a certificate or registration.
When you fill in your details, you’ll be asked for your phone number. We’ll then text you a link to start the online verification process.
Proving your identity online with Service Victoria is available for the following products:
Online identity verification is not available for:
- Early pregnancy loss commemorative certificates
- Recognised details certificate
- Family History
Step 2: Take a photo of your first identity document
When prompted, take a photo of your first identity document using your phone. Your first identity document must be one of the following:
- Australian passport (current or expired less than 3 years)
- Current foreign passport (with linked visa)
- Australian birth certificate
- ImmiCard
- Australian citizenship certificate.
Step 3: Scan your face
We’ll match your face to your photo ID. We don’t save this.
Step 4: Take a photo of your second identity document
Your second identity document must be one of the following:
- Current Australian driver licence
- Medicare card (only if you don't have a driver's licence).
If you can’t complete the online identity verification process
If you can’t complete the online verification process, you will need to verify your identity using certified copies of documents.
Help video
See the below help video for tips on how to complete online verification.
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