Verification of Identity (VOI)
In November 2015 the Land Titles Office of Victoria introduced a requirement for any party involved in a land title transaction have their identity verified by an approved verifier. For most people this will be Australia Post.
Your options
Australia Post
To complete your identity check, head into a participating post office where they can:
- verify your identity
- take your photo (at no additional cost)
- witness your signature
- organise secure delivery of your information to our office
How to present your application at Australia Post
- Ensure you have the right identity documents for the highest possible category.
- Complete the Land Title Verification of Identity Form provided by your conveyancing practitioner. Do not sign the form. Your signature must be witnessed by an Australia Post Identity Verifier.
- Present your Verification of Identity Form and your correct identity documents at a participating post office. Find your closest participating post office or call 13 POST (13 76 78).
- The verification of identity service fee is $44.00 and payable to Australia Post. Fees can be paid by cash, EFTPOS, Visa or MasterCard. Cheques are not accepted.
Attend our office
If your prefer you can attend our office to complete this check so long as you make an appointment and have the relevant documents listed below.
- Ensure you have the right identity documents for the highest possible category.
- Cal our office to book an appointment for each person attending
- The verification of identity service fee will be added to your invoice at settlement.
Approved Combinations
For Australian Residents
Category 1
ONE of the following:
- Australian passport
- Foreign passport
AND ONE of the following:
- Australian driver’s licence
- Proof of age card / Photo card (issued by a state or territory)
AND (if required):
Change of name2
- Marriage certificate
- Change of name certificate
Category 2
ONE of the following:
- Australian passport
- Foreign passport
AND ONE of the following:
- Full birth certificate
- Citizenship certificate
AND ONE of the following:
- Medicare card
- Centrelink card
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs card
AND (if required):
Change of name
- Marriage certificate
- Change of name certificate
Category 3
ONE of the following:
- Australian driver’s licence
- Proof of age card / Photo card (issued by a state or territory)
AND ONE of the following:
- Full birth certificate
- Citizenship certificate
AND ONE of the following:
- Medicare card
- Centrelink card
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs card
AND (if required):
Change of name
- Marriage certificate
- Change of name certificate
For Non-Australian citizen or resident
Category 6
- Foreign passport
AND ONE of the following:
(a)
- Australian / foreign drivers licence
- Proof of age card (issued by a state or territory)
- Photo card (issued by a state or territory)
OR :
(b)
- Full birth certificate
AND ONE of the following:
- Medicare card1
- Centrelink card
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs card
- Foreign government issued identity document
AND (if required):
Change of name2
- Marriage certificate
- Change of name certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't have all the documents in any of the categories
In most cases it is easier to apply for the documents you are missing (ie. original birth certificate).
If for some reason you are unable to obtain these documents there are alternative processes, however these usually take quite some time and can be costly.
Do I need to make an appointment to attend your office?
Yes. As the process can take some time we are unable to guarantee we are able to assist you on the spot without an appointment. By making an appointment we are able to ensure all your queries can be addressed at the time you attend our office.
How do I apply for replacement identity documents from Births, Deaths & Marriages
BDM Victoria offer a number of services to replace identity documents and have opened a number of reginal offices to keep up with the demand caused by the introduction of this requirement. For up to date information please visit their website directly by clicking the following link.
How many people need to do the check?
Everyone involved needs to do the check. The only exception is if the party is decease and the relevant documents can be provided to prove the person has passed away.
If someone doesn't have the capacity (ie they're in a aged care facility) and have someone acting on their behalf either as a guardian or as power of attorney then the person who is acting on their behalf attends to the check, not the individual. You will of course have to produce the relevant documents for confirming your entitlement to act on their behalf.
What is the difference between a Certificate of Marriage and a Marriage Certificate
A certificate of Marriage is the certificate provided to you my the officiant (celebrant or the like) on your wedding day, and a Marriage Certificate is the formal identity document issued by Births, Deaths, & Marriges. For the purposes of the VOI requirements you will need to have the Original BDM Marriage Certificate.
How long does the check last?
The check lasts 2 years