At many stages in your transition to independence you will be asked for proof of identity – it may be when you apply to rent a house, open up a bank account or apply for a loan.
“Proof of identity” is an original personal identification document that shows who you are. It is important that you are able to prove who you are and there are a number ways you can do this.
Birth Certificate
When you are planning for leaving care you should ask your caseworker for a copy of your birth certificate. If it’s not on file or you have lost your copy, you can apply for a birth certificate from the Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages. If your birth was registered in another Australian state or territory, you will need to contact the relevant Registry Office in that state or territory.
You will need your birth certificate to apply for other forms of identification – such as a drivers licence. Check out the ‘Useful links’ for your state on the right.
Medicare Card
To get a Medicare card before leaving care you can visit any Medicare office.
Call: 132 011
www.medicareaustralia.gov.au
Health Care Card
If you are receiving a Centrelink benefit or if you receive a low income you may qualify for a Health Care Card. The Health Care Card entitles you to reduced cost medicines and a limited number of other concessions including travel in some states. To find out more visit your local Centrelink office.
www.centrelink.gov.au
Registries of Births, Deaths and Marriages
These offices in each state and territory are the place to go to get a copy of your birth certificate.
ACT
The Registrar-General's Office
PO Box 225
CIVIC SQUARE ACT 2608
www.rgo.act.gov.au
NSW
NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
GPO Box 30
SYDNEY NSW 2001
www.bdm.nsw.gov.au
NT
Births, Deaths and Marriages Office
GPO Box 3021
DARWIN NT 0801
www.bdm.nt.gov.au
QLD
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
PO Box 15188
City East, QLD 4002
www.justice.qld.gov.au/bdm/
SA
Births, Deaths and Marriages Registration Office
GPO Box 1351
ADELAIDE SA 5001
www.ocba.sa.gov.au/bdm/
TAS
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
GPO Box 198
HOBART TAS 7001
www.justice.tas.gov.au/bdm/
VIC
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
GPO Box 4332
MELBOURNE VIC 3001
online.justice.vic.gov.au/servlet/bdm_home
WA
Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
PO Box 7720
Cloisters Square
PERTH WA 6850
www.justice.wa.gov.au/B/birthsdeathsandmarriages.aspx
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