To get a certificate, you’ll usually need to prove your identity. If you can’t do online identity verification, you’ll need to do identity verification using certified copies of documents.
What identity documents can I use?
To do the identity verification using certified copies of documents process you’ll need to provide certified identity documents, including at least one with a photograph.
You’ll need to provide identity documents that are current:
- Option 1: 2 documents from category 1, or
- Option 2: 3 documents from category 1-4. You can't provide more than one document from each category list. For example, if you do not have a category 1 document, you must provide a document from each category list 2, 3 and 4, including one which has your photo.
| Category | Documents |
|---|---|
| 1 |
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| 2 |
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| 3 |
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| 4 |
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What if I don’t have the required documents?
If you don’t have the required documents, please provide:
- Certified copies of whatever identity documents you can provide. These documents must show your name, and
- A statutory declaration(opens in a new window) that:
- states that you can’t meet our standard identity requirements, and
- provides some information about why you can’t provide these documents.
When you provide these documents, include your contact details (and order number, if you have one). This will help us connect them to your application and follow up with you if we need to.
We will then assess what you have provided. We may contact you to discuss your application.
What if your identity documents show a different name?
If your documents show your married name, provide:
- Identity documents showing your different name, and
- A certified copy of your marriage certificate if:
- your documents show your married name, and
- you got married outside Victoria
If you’ve changed your name and not updated your documents, provide:
- Identity documents showing your different name, and
- A certified copy of any change of name documents if you officially changed your name outside Victoria.
In all other cases, provide:
- Identity documents showing your different name, and
- A statutory declaration(opens in a new window) explaining why your identity documents don’t match your birth name. The more information you include, the more we can help. Contact us for more information.
What is a certified document?
A certified copy is a document that has been verified by someone with the legal authority(opens in a new window) to say it is a true and correct copy of the original document.
The certifier needs to see the original document along with the copy. They will examine the copy, then stamp and sign it.
Which documents need to be certified?
All identity documents need to be certified, except for copies of documents from a company on its letterhead. For example, this may be from a bank, utility company or superannuation fund.
How do I submit my certified documents?
You can provide your identity documents by uploading them online or by sending them through the post.
Application delays for failing to provide proof of identity
The most common cause of delays in application processing is not providing proof of identity. Our turnaround times don’t start until we receive your proof of identity documents.
When providing documents, you must get your copies certified by an authorised person(opens in a new window). We can’t accept uncertified copies or photos of documents, and it will result in delays.
This helps ensure we only release personal information to those with a genuine right to receive it. This keeps the personal information of Victorians accurate and secure.
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