Proof of identity in Australia: the 100-point system and the documents

When you open a bank account, lodge a rental application, or use certain government services in Australia, you will often come across a requirement for a “100 point identity check” — that is, providing enough proof-of-identity documents to add up to a total of 100 points under a standardised system.

How does the 100-point system work?

The core idea is very simple: each type of document is assigned a number of points based on how reliable it is. Official documents issued by the government, with a photo, and hard to forge — these are treated as primary documents and carry a higher point value. Documents such as utility bills or bank statements are treated as secondary documents and carry fewer points.

You need to combine documents so that the total reaches at least 100 points.

An important point: there is no single point list that applies everywhere. Banks, real estate agents, and government agencies may have different lists of what they accept. The AUSTRAC website (the anti-money-laundering agency) publishes official guidance for financial institutions.

Documents commonly accepted

Primary documents (high point value)

These are government-issued documents with the highest point value:

• Passport — even one that expired within a certain period may still be accepted, depending on the organisation
• Australian birth certificate
• Permanent resident card (ImmiCard) or documentation confirming your visa status
• Australian citizenship certificate

Typically, a current passport on its own is already enough, or close to enough, to reach the 100-point threshold when combined with one secondary document.

Secondary documents (lower point value)

Usually used in combination with a primary document:

• Australian driver licence — has a photo, issued by the state
• Medicare card
• Centrelink concession card
• Utility bill (electricity, gas, water, internet) — with your name and current address
• Bank statement
• Letter from a government agency with your name and address

Common document combinations

The following combinations are usually enough in most situations:

• Passport + Medicare card — the most common for new arrivals
• Passport + Australian driver licence — the strongest and most widely accepted
• Passport + foreign driver licence + bank statement — for people who do not yet have an Australian licence
• Passport + Medicare + utility bill — a three-document combination when you need extra points

If you have recently arrived in Australia and don’t yet have an Australian driver licence or a Medicare card, a passport together with a foreign licence and a document showing your address (such as a utility bill or a rental agreement) is usually the simplest approach.

What is a certified copy?

Some organisations do not accept ordinary photocopies and instead require a certified copy — that is, a copy confirmed by an authorised person to be a true copy of the original document.

People who can certify a copy include:

• Justice of the Peace (JP) — you can find a JP for free at many post offices, libraries, and local councils
• Lawyers, doctors, police officers, teachers and certain other professionals as prescribed

The process: you bring the original and the copy to a JP. They compare them, sign and stamp the copy to certify it.

Digital identity: myGovID

For online government services, Australia has the myGovID system — a digital identity app that lets you log in to government portals such as myGov, ATO Online, and many other services.

myGovID does not replace the 100-point requirement in in-person situations (such as opening a bank account), but it is an important tool for accessing government services online.

If you don’t yet have enough documents

New arrivals in Australia often lack some of the secondary documents. The order of priority for building them up quickly:

1. Enrol in Medicare if your visa makes you eligible — it is issued quickly and is usually widely accepted
2. Open a bank account using your passport — after that, a bank statement is a useful address document
3. Get an Australian driver licence once you are settled — it is accepted almost everywhere

When you apply for a rental or open an account, don’t hesitate to ask in advance what documents that organisation accepts — each place has its own list, and asking first will help you prepare the right ones.

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The 100-point system is a safeguard against identity fraud, not a barrier specifically aimed at foreigners. With a current passport and a few basic supporting documents, most everyday transactions can be completed.