myGov & myID Setup (Gateway to Government Services)
Most Australian government online services, such as Medicare, tax (ATO) and Centrelink, are accessed through a single myGov account. Adding a digital ID called myID (formerly myGovID) lets you use even more services securely. For those who have just arrived in Australia or don't yet have an account, we walk you through everything step by step, from creating an account to linking and verifying services.
This article is general information designed to guide foreigners living in Australia who are accessing government online services for the first time. It is not legal, immigration or tax advice.
Screen layouts, phone numbers, verification requirements and required documents can change frequently in line with government policy, so before you start, always check the latest steps on official sites such as my.gov.au and myid.gov.au. (As of 2026)
What are myGov and myID, and how are they different?
Their names are similar and easy to confuse, but they play different roles.
- myGov is an online portal that lets you use multiple government services in one place. You create an account at my.gov.au and then link individual services such as Medicare, ATO (tax), Centrelink and My Health Record.
- myID is a digital ID that proves who you are through a smartphone app. You use it to sign in securely with your phone instead of a password, or to access services that require higher security (for example, certain ATO functions or business services).
For most people, a myGov account alone is enough for everyday Medicare and Centrelink use, while those who also use ATO online services or run a business (ABN) install myID as well.
The name has changed: the former myGovID app has been renamed myID. Its features and your existing account stay the same; only the name and the app icon have changed. 'myGov' (the portal) and 'myID' (the digital ID) are two different things, so don't confuse them.
Creating a myGov account
You can create a myGov account for free at my.gov.au. All you need to get started is one personal email address in your own name, and registering a mobile number as well strengthens your security.
Steps to create an account
- Go to my.gov.au and select 'Create a myGov account'.
- Enter your email address, and a verification code will be sent to that email. Enter the code to confirm your email.
- (Optional) Enter your mobile number and register it by entering the code you receive by text message.
- Set up your sign-in method (a security code, passkey or myID), a password and security questions, and your account will be created.
If you have just arrived in Australia and don't yet have an Australian mobile number, you can still create an account with just an email. Add your number later once you have one.
By default, two-step verification is used: each time you sign in, you receive and enter a one-time security code by phone or email. This is a safeguard that keeps anyone but you out of your account, so make sure to keep it enabled.
Linking Medicare, ATO and Centrelink services
After creating your myGov account, you need to link the services you want to use before you can actually use them. Sign in to myGov and select Medicare, ATO, Centrelink, My Health Record and so on under 'Link a service'. The way you confirm your identity differs slightly for each service.
When you need a linking code
If you already have a service identification number, you can link directly with it.
- Medicare links using your Medicare card number, the individual reference number (IRN) on the card, and a one-time code sent to your registered mobile or email, or a linking code given to you by staff.
- Centrelink requires your customer reference number (CRN) and a linking code issued by Centrelink staff.
- ATO is linked by answering identity questions within myGov, or by verifying your identity with myID.
If you don't have a linking code, you can get one by calling Services Australia (132 307) or visiting a nearby service centre. Codes are usually only valid for a limited time, so link soon after receiving one.
Your name must match to link: the name registered with myGov must be exactly the same as the name on record with Medicare, Centrelink and so on. Differences in English spelling, middle names or the order of given and family names can cause it to fail, so make it identical to the name shown on your passport or visa.
Installing myID (formerly myGovID)
myID is a smartphone app. You install it for ATO online services, business (ABN) tasks, or when you want to sign in securely without a password. If you only use everyday Medicare and Centrelink, you don't necessarily need it.
Installation and setup steps
- Download the myID app from your smartphone's App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android).
- Open the app and enter basic details such as a personal email address in your own name (not a work or shared email), your name and your date of birth. You must be at least 15 years old.
- To raise your identity strength, verify your identity with Australian identity documents (see the next section).
- Once set up, you can prove who you are with myID when signing in to government services.
Only install the official app: always download only the official 'myID' from the App Store or Google Play. Beware of fake apps with similar names and phishing that tries to get you to install via links in text messages or emails.
Identity strength — Basic, Standard, Strong
myID has three identity strengths depending on how thoroughly you have verified your identity. The higher the strength, the more services you can use. Even if you don't have the required documents on hand, you can start with Basic first and raise it later.
Basic
This is the lowest level, requiring only your personal details. There is no document check, and you can access only some government services.
Standard
You verify two Australian documents. Accepted: an Australian passport (current or expired no more than 3 years ago), an Australian driver licence/learner's permit, an Australian birth certificate, a visa (verified using your foreign passport), an ImmiCard, or an Australian citizenship certificate. A Medicare card becomes available as an option once you have verified one of these. You can access most government services, and ATO online services are available at Standard or above.
Strong
On top of the document checks, this highest level adds a one-off facial verification selfie, and gives access to all participating government services. The facial verification requires an Australian passport (a Western Australian driver licence is accepted as an alternative route). A foreign passport cannot be used for facial verification, so temporary visa holders without an Australian passport usually stop at Standard. (Requirements can change — check myid.gov.au.)
See how far your documents take you
With what you have selected, you reach Basic. You can create it without a document check, but only some services are available.
This compares your selection against myID's published conditions. The actual check happens in the app and requirements can change — confirm at myid.gov.au.
Get help in your own language even if English is hard
When your English gets stuck during setup, you don't need to spend money or rely on family. The Australian government provides a free interpreter service.
- Phone interpreting (TIS National) — 131 450: call this number, request an interpreter in the language you want, then ask to be connected to the relevant agency such as Services Australia (for example, 132 307), and the interpreter will help with the conversation.
- myGov and Services Australia multilingual information: my.gov.au and servicesaustralia.gov.au provide information and translated guidance in many languages. Look for materials in your own language at the bottom of the site or in the 'languages' section.
The interpreter service is for everyone living in Australia. Feel free to use it regardless of your country of origin or language.
Security and account recovery
Beware of government impersonation scams
Government agencies do not ask for your password, security code or full card number by text message, email or phone. A message asking for your myGov sign-in details or telling you to click a suspicious link is likely a scam. Always sign in by typing my.gov.au directly into the address bar, and don't click links in emails or text messages.
When you lose your password or account
If you forget your password or can't sign in, follow the 'help with signing in' guidance at my.gov.au, or contact myGov help 132 307 (option 1). If you are calling from overseas, you can use +61 1300 169 468. If you plan to change your registered email or mobile, it is safer to update your account recovery details before making the change. (Operating hours and numbers may change, so check the official site.)
Official source links
- myGov (my.gov.au)(opens in a new window)
Official portal to create a myGov account, sign in and link services
- myID (myid.gov.au)(opens in a new window)
Guidance on installing myID (formerly myGovID) and setting identity strength
- Services Australia (132 307)(opens in a new window)
The agency that runs Medicare and Centrelink. Help line 132 307
- (opens in a new window)