Proof of Age and Photo ID
In most legal situations, clients and any other relevant parties will be asked to provide their photo ID. This is to protect both the law office and clients from identity fraud. Further, it ensures the right person is receiving the advice that they need. The most common form of photo ID is your Driver’s Licence, and we typically take a copy of this to assist us in verifying your identity.
At times, identification requirements may require access to a Passport or other documentation. Some of our clients (particularly elderly clients) no longer have Passports or current Driver’s Licences. In these situations, we recommend that you get a Proof of Age card. You can easily pick up an Application form at participating VicRoads, Australia Post offices or certain pharmacies. For a list of participating agencies, go to www.vic.gov.au/proof-of-age-card and follow the link titled “Approved Photo Point Agencies”. Alternatively, Liquor Control Victoria can post the form to you if that is more convenient – you simply have to request it by emailing contact@liquor.vic.gov.au.
In addition to your completed Application form, you must provide two original identification documents. To prove your identity, you should provide one document from each of the following categories:
1. Category A - eg. Australian birth certificate, passport, naturalization certificate, immigration papers or citizenship papers; and
2. Category B - eg. Driver licence or Learner permit, health care card, credit card, Medicare card, shooters licence or student identification card.
If you have changed your name (whether through marriage or otherwise), we recommend that you also provide documentation to prove this. Non-residents, international students, asylum seekers and refugees must also provide documentation confirming their eligibility to stay or study in Australia.
Your Application must be witnessed by another person who has known you for over 12 months and ison currently on the Australian Electoral Roll. Before completing the ‘Referee’s Declaration’, they need to view your completed Application form, your original proof of identity documents and any relevant additional documents.
After this has been completed, you must sign the ‘Applicant’s Declaration’ section in the presence of an authorized person, who will also check your ID documents and sign your Application. Common examples of an authorized person include a judicial officer, a public notary or an Australian Legal Practitioner.
Once these steps are completed, your Application must be lodged at one of the listed offices, where you pay a $10 lodging fee and they will view your identity documents and take your photo. Your Proof of Age card will then be posted to you if it is approved.
