I've just arrived — can I reach 100 points with only my passport?

A passport is usually 70 points, so on its own it falls short of 100 points. However, within about six weeks of arrival, many banks allow you to open an account with just your passport. Once you open an account, your bank statement and card count towards points, and adding Medicare and a driver licence lets you exceed 100 points. Confirm the exact requirements with each organisation.

How many points is a Medicare card worth?

On the identity-check (AFP/Victoria Police) points table, a Medicare card is usually a secondary document worth 25 points. As it is not a primary document, Medicare alone does not confirm your identity; it must be added to one primary document such as a passport. Other organisations such as banks may value it differently.

Can I use a birth certificate or documents issued overseas?

Yes, you can, but if they are not in English you must submit an official (usually NAATI-accredited) translation as well. Many organisations require a certified copy instead of the original, so have the copy certified by an authorised person such as a JP.

Can I reach 100 points using only Secondary documents?

Usually not. Organisations generally require you to include at least one primary document (passport, birth certificate, citizenship certificate, etc.). Even if you reach 100 points with secondary documents alone, you may be rejected if there is no primary document.

English is hard for me — is there a free interpreter to help with the application?

Yes. You can call TIS National on 131 450 and request an interpreter in your own language, and interpreting is free when using many government services. When calling a bank or government office, connect to TIS first and proceed through the interpreter.

·Townsville

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100 Points Proof of Identity

In Australia, when you open a bank account or apply for a rental, driver licence, or National Police Check, you must gather identity documents worth '100 points'. When you have just arrived, you usually have only your passport (70 points), so it's easy to get stuck short of 100 points. Here we set out which documents are worth how many points, and in what order to build them up.

This article is general information for foreign nationals living in Australia and is not legal or immigration advice. Points tables, fees, phone numbers and scheme names differ between organisations (banks, state governments, the federal government) and can change, so before you actually apply, always confirm the latest requirements with the relevant organisation or the official sites below.

Which documents are worth how many points — the points table

Below is a representative points table widely used by police checks, banks and others (source: AFP National Police Check 100 Point Checklist, based on Victoria Police). The accepted documents and points can vary slightly between organisations, so treat this as a guide and confirm the actual points with the relevant organisation.

Primary (required starting) documents — 70 points each

Passport (currently valid) — including foreign passports (an official translation must be attached for documents issued overseas)
Australian passport (currently valid, or expired within the last 2 years and not cancelled)
Australian Citizenship Certificate
Full birth certificate (a birth extract, birth card or commemorative certificate is not accepted)
A Certificate of Identity issued by the Australian Government to refugees and non-citizens

Secondary documents — 40 points each

Australian Driver Licence / Learner's Permit — with photo or signature
Australian tertiary student card — with photo or signature
Public service ID card (federal, state or territory) — with photo and signature
An ID card showing entitlement to government welfare, plus signature (e.g. Health Care Card)

Secondary documents — 35 points each

Mortgage documents showing your current address
Land Titles Office records showing your current address
Records from a current or former (within the last 2 years) employer confirming your name and current address
A council rates notice showing your current address

Secondary documents — 25 points each

Medicare card
A credit card, or a bank statement showing transaction history
Telephone account
A utility record showing your current address (gas, electricity, water bill, etc.)
A property lease agreement showing your current address
Electoral enrolment confirmation issued by the Australian Electoral Commission (including current address)
Membership records of a professional or trade body (such as a union) confirming name and date of birth

* The points and accepted documents above are examples based on AFP/Victoria Police identity-check standards. Banks, real estate agents and transport authorities use their own lists, and some may count an item at a different value than 25 points or require additional documents. Always follow the guidance of the organisation you are applying to.

Life in Australia Guide

100 Points Proof of Identity

100 Points Proof of Identity

What is 100 points proof of identity?

Which documents are worth how many points — the points table

Primary (required starting) documents — 70 points each

Secondary documents — 40 points each

Secondary documents — 35 points each

Secondary documents — 25 points each

The difference between Primary and Secondary

Primary documents (the 'starting point' of identity)

Secondary documents (to 'back up' identity)

Right after arrival: the order in which to build points

Documents issued overseas — an official translation is required

Even if English is hard, you can get help in your own language

Phone interpreting — TIS National (131 450)

Document translation

Official source links

Frequently Asked Questions

Add up your documents

100 Points Proof of Identity

100 Points Proof of Identity

What is 100 points proof of identity?

Which documents are worth how many points — the points table

Primary (required starting) documents — 70 points each

Secondary documents — 40 points each

Secondary documents — 35 points each

Secondary documents — 25 points each

The difference between Primary and Secondary

Primary documents (the 'starting point' of identity)

Secondary documents (to 'back up' identity)

Right after arrival: the order in which to build points

Documents issued overseas — an official translation is required

Even if English is hard, you can get help in your own language

Phone interpreting — TIS National (131 450)

Document translation

Related guides worth reading

Official source links

Frequently Asked Questions

Add up your documents