Identity & Essential Documents Archives | Barwon Community Legal Service
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Identity & Essential Documents

Having the right identity documents makes it easier to start work, study, access housing, healthcare, Centrelink and other services.

If your documents have been lost, were never applied for, or your situation at home makes them hard to access, there are steps you can take. You can get help from a youth worker, a support service, or a legal centre.

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A birth certificate is your official proof of who you are.

You may need it for other ID, study, work, Centrelink, housing, healthcare or a passport.

If you were born in Victoria and don’t have a birth certificate or need a new copy:

  • You can apply for one yourself through Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria (BDM). You do not need parental permission to do this.
  • You will need to provide proof of your identity and pay the relevant fee. Fee help may be available.
  • If you cannot provide standard identity documents, BDM may be able to help with other options, contact them directly or ask a legal service or support worker to assist.

If you were born outside Victoria: You need to apply in the state, territory, or country where your birth was registered.

If you are unsure whether your birth was ever registered: You may need to register the birth before a certificate can be issued. A legal service, youth worker, or support person can help with this.


A Medicare card gives you access to free or cheaper healthcare — including GP visits, medicines and prescriptions, mental health services, and treatment as a public hospital patient.

If you are 15 or older, you can get your own Medicare card:

  • You do not need a parent’s or guardian’s permission.
  • If you are already on a family Medicare card, you can transfer to your own card.
  • If you are not on any card, you can enrol in Medicare as an individual.
  • Lost your card? Replacement cards are free.
  • If your situation is complicated — no ID, complicated family circumstances, or you are unsure what card you are on, Services Australia, a support worker, or a legal service can help.


A Tax File Number (TFN) is a personal number you need for work, Centrelink, superannuation, tax, and some study payments. It is free to apply for, and you only ever need one.

Without a TFN, your employer is required by law to withhold tax from your pay at the highest rate — so getting one sorted early makes a real difference to your take-home pay.

You can apply at any age. The options are:

  • Online via myID (fastest): Must be at least 15, need an Australian passport plus one other identity document to set up a strong identity strength. Your TFN is usually issued immediately.
  • Australia Post: Complete the online form then take your identity documents to a participating outlet.
  • Paper form (NAT 1432): If you cannot apply online or go to Australia Post, apply by paper and post certified copies of your documents.
  • Services Australia Service Centre: If you have limited ID, apply in person with a paper form.
  • Lost your TFN: Find it through myGov, your ATO online account, a previous tax return, or call the ATO on 13 28 61.
  • Always free: Anyone asking you to pay for a TFN is a scam.


Other documents can be just as useful day-to-day. Things like a Proof of Age card, school ID, student card, or concession card can help with banking, housing, proving your age, and more.

If your ID has been lost, damaged, or you have never had it:

  • Most types of ID can be replaced or applied for — some online, others through the organisation that issued them (your school, Services Australia, or Service Victoria).
  • A Victorian Proof of Age Card can be applied for through Service Victoria at vic.gov.au
  • An ImmiCard (short for Immigration Card) is an official identification card issued by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. It is given to people who don’t have other forms of ID and are involved in immigration processes in Australia.

An ImmiCard can be applied for here:
 https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/already-have-a-visa/immicard

If you’re not sure what ID you need or how to get it, a youth worker, support service, or legal service can help you work it out.


If you need urgent assistance or feel unsafe right now, call 000.

Legal advice: Do you think you may have a legal issue and would like advice? Free and confidential help is available. Contact:

 

If you need to speak to someone urgently please call:

  • Lifeline (Free 24/7) | 📞 13 11 14 | 🌐  Webchat | 📱 Text 0477 131 114
    Crisis support and suicide prevention
  • Kids Helpline (Free 24/7) | 📞 1800 551 800 | 🌐 kidshelpline.com.au/
    Counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
  • 🌈 Rainbow Door (10-5pm every day) | 📞 1800 729 367 | 📱 Text 0480 017 246 | 🌐 rainbowdoor.org.au/ 
    Free helpline and specialist support service for LGBTIQA+ Victorians, their friends and families.
  • 🖤💛❤️ 13YARN (Free 24/7) | 📞 13 92 76 | 🌐 13yarn.org.au/
    Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line developed and run by community in partnership with Lifeline.

 

Other helpful resources:

  • Ask Izzy | 🌐 askizzy.org.au/
    FREE directory to find local housing, food, and support services near you.
  • Quick Help Guide (BAT Force) | 🌐 batforce.org.au/quick-help-guide/
    A practical guide connecting you to support for food, housing, mental health, family violence, financial stress and tenancy.
  • YouthNav (Youth Central) | 🌐 youthcentral.vic.gov.au/youthnav
    A life skills and information hub for young people aged 12 to 25 that helps build knowledge, confidence, and independence into adulthood.

 

Check out the videos, fact sheets and resources below for more information or try our Legal Health Check HERE