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We all need identification. Identification (or ID) is a document that proves who you are. Some forms or ID are more useful than others but any official document with your name on it can be used.
A lot of services require you to show ID before they can assist you. Different agencies require different types of ID. For example:
There are many types of ID, including:
ID is sometimes called POI or Proof of Identity documents.
You will need ID to:
Money is scarce in prison and most ID isn’t free. You may think ID is a waste of money but you need ID as soon as you get out. You also need ID to get ID and starting out with nothing will make things harder. When you’re still in prison the staff can verify who you are.
The prison can give you a letter to confirm your identity before you get out. This can only be used with some agencies if you don’t have enough other ID. For example this can be used to get a birth certificate.
If you have no ID when you leave prison you will need to contact previous service providers (such as telephone, gas or electricity companies) and ask them to send you documentation that you can use as ID, like past bills.
Photo ID is very important. If you can’t get a driver’s licence or passport you should get a proof of age card.
Some ID will be accepted in some places and not others. For example: pubs will only accept photo ID.
Some places ask for more than one piece of ID. Some places will ask to see 100 points of identification. They can change their requirements at any time so check before you go.
The more forms of ID you have the better.
Photo ID with your name and address is the best. A birth certificate is also handy and is cheaper than some other forms of ID.
A Health Care Card is also good. It can be used as ID and helps you get cheaper services and prescription drugs.
You should aim for the following set of ID:
Some ID is free (eg Medicare cards) and other ID doesn’t expire (eg birth certificates). So you should get these as soon as possible.
If you were born in Australia, proof of birth means:
If you were born outside Australia, proof of birth means:
Centrelink also refers to ‘Proof of Birth’ as ‘Commencement of Identity’.
You can apply for a copy of your birth certificate from the Registry where you were born:
Phone: 1300 369 367
GPO Box 4332, Melbourne, VIC 3001
Customer Service Centre:
Ground floor, 595 Collins Street, Melbourne (near Southern Cross Station).
Website: https://online.justice.vic.gov.au/bdm /certificate-applications
PO Box 225, Civic Square, ACT 2608
Phone: (02) 6207 0460
Website: www.ors.act.gov.au
GPO Box 30, Sydney NSW 2001
Phone: 1300 655 236
Website: www.bdm.nsw.gov.au
Email: bdm-webmail@agd.nsw.gov.au
GPO Box 3021, Darwin, NT, 0801
Phone: (08) 8999 6119
Website: www.nt.gov.au
Email: RegistrarGeneral.DOJ@nt.gov.au
PO Box 15188, City East, QLD 4002
Phone: (07) 3247 9203
Email: bdm-mail@justice.qld.gov.au
GPO Box 1351, Adelaide, SA 5001
Phone: (08) 8204 9599
Website: www.ocba.sa.gov.au
Email: applications.bdm@agd.sa.gov.au
GPO Box 198, Hobart, TAS 7001
Phone: 1300 135 513 or (03) 6233 0755
Website: www.justice.tas.gov.au
Email: bdm@justice.tas.gov.au
PO Box 7720, Cloisters Square, Perth WA 6850
Phone: 1300 305 021
Website: www.bdm.dotag.wa.gov.au
GPO Box 365, Sydney, NSW, 2001
Phone: +64 4 474 8150 or 1300 559 535
Website: www.dia.govt.nz
Email: bdm.nz@dia.govt.nz
Standard certificates: Around $55, depending on the state/territory (+ postage).
Contact the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) in your state of birth. Ask them for a birth certificate application form OR ask the prison staff for help and Prison ID, if you need it.
Fill out the form and send it to Intel. Intel will confirm your identity and forward the documents to the BDM Office.
If you were born overseas you can’t apply for a birth certificate from prison. You can apply for copies of Australian government issued documentation such as citizen certificates or residency papers.
If you have all the ID and the application fee, the easiest option is to go to the BDM Customer Service Centre.
Download or Ask the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages for an application.
Make photocopies of your original proof of identity (POI) documents and have them certified (see below).
Mail your documents with the completed application form and fee back to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
If you were born outside Australia, citizenship papers, visas and residency certificates can be used as proof of birth.
To access any of these documents you can visit the Department of Home Affairs website at http://www.immi. gov.au/allforms/pdf/119.pdf.
You can also call them on 131 881.
The cost of a new citizenship certificate is $275.
If you can’t access the internet ask for help from someone who can.
Getting a passport can be complicated and they are expensive.
If you need one for your release, talk to prison staff for help.
Once you are out, contact a Post Office for the latest information.
Each state/territory has its own authority that manages drivers licences and other road and transport requirements.
Phone: 131 171
Website: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/
Phone: 13 77 88
Website: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/
Phone: 13 23 80
Website: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/
Phone: 1300 135 513
Website: https://www.service.tas.gov.au/
Phone: 13 22 81
Website: www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/
Phone: 13 10 84
Website: www.service.sa.gov.au/
You will need to renew your licence if it has expired.
In Victoria, VicRoads will send you a letter about five weeks before your licence expires. This will go to your last known address so make sure VicRoads has the right details.
Driving with an expired licence is a criminal offence. If you have lost your card and want to check the status of your licence, call VicRoads or the equivalent in your state/territory.
If your licence has expired by less than five years you can call the road authority and ask them to send you a renewal notice.
If you’re not sure where you will be staying, have it sent to a safe address (such as a relative’s house).
If you don’t have a drivers’ licence or passport a Proof of Age Card is your next best option for photo ID. It only costs $10.
You can pick up a Proof of Age card application form at most pharmacies or post offices.
You can also ask prison staff about getting a form.
Take the completed application form and your ID to an ‘Authorised Referee’ and sign the form in front of them.
An ‘Authorised Referee’ is a person who:
The Authorised Referee must then complete and sign the Authorised Referee declaration on the application form.
Go to a Photo Point agency to get your photograph taken (some prison locations will be able to take the photo for you) and lodge the application form. Take along your identification documents as the person from the agency is required to check your documents and also sign the application form.
Making a false statement is a serious offence.
Phone: 132 011
A Medicare card is important ID. It is easy to get and free.
You need your Medicare card to access government subsidised medical, eye and hospital care and prescription medicine.
Replacement Medicare cards and other information will be sent to the last known address. To advise Medicare of a new address, call them, visit a Services Australia office, or go to their website: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare
If you have previously had a Medicare card, you can ask for a replacement to be sent out to you. You should be able to organise a Medicare card from prison with the help of prison staff.
After you are released, call them to find out if you can replace your card over the phone.
If you have never been enrolled in Medicare you will need to provide identification to show you are eligible. Ask them what you’ll need to bring in when you talk to them.
If you don’t have enough ID tell them your circumstances. Your release papers are normally accepted as identification.
Many organisations will require 100 points of ID. They have their own systems so each piece of ID will be worth a different amount depending on the agency.
Photo ID and birth certificates are generally worth the most points.
Here is an example:
Drivers License = 70 points
Birth Certificate = 50 points
= 120 points
Driver’s licence = 50 points
Medicare card = 20 points
Key card = 20 points
Phone bill = 15 points
= 105 points
Sometimes you will be asked to send certified copies of documents when you apply for ID.
A certified copy is a photocopy signed by someone who has seen the original document.
Only certain people are able to certify documents. The list includes: pharmacists, police officers, solicitors or barristers, public servants, justices of the peace, doctors, dentists, court registrars, accountants or psychologists.
Never send original documents by mail unless you have to. They won’t be returned and may not even get there.
ATO: 13 28 61
If you have lost your tax file number or need to update your details, call the Australian Tax Office (ATO).
Go to Centrelink or an Australian Tax office to get the form. The form is called Tax file number – application or enquiry for individuals (NAT 1432). You can also call 1300 720 092 to ask for it.
Send your form to the ATO with the following 3 documents to prove your identity:
Your tax file number will be sent to you in the mail.
There are many documents that can be used even if they are only worth a small amount of points. These include:
Almost anything with your name on it can be used as ID so hang on to all your records and official correspondence.
We all need identification. Identification (or ID) is a document that proves who you are. Some forms or ID are more useful than others but any official document with your name on it can be used.
A lot of services require you to show ID before they can assist you. Different agencies require different types of ID. For example:
There are many types of ID, including:
ID is sometimes called POI or Proof of Identity documents.
You will need ID to:
Money is scarce in prison and most ID isn’t free. You may think ID is a waste of money but you need ID as soon as you get out. You also need ID to get ID and starting out with nothing will make things harder. When you’re still in prison the staff can verify who you are.
The prison can give you a letter to confirm your identity before you get out. This can only be used with some agencies if you don’t have enough other ID. For example this can be used to get a birth certificate.
If you have no ID when you leave prison you will need to contact previous service providers (such as telephone, gas or electricity companies) and ask them to send you documentation that you can use as ID, like past bills.
Photo ID is very important. If you can’t get a driver’s licence or passport you should get a proof of age card.
Some ID will be accepted in some places and not others. For example: pubs will only accept photo ID.
Some places ask for more than one piece of ID. Some places will ask to see 100 points of identification. They can change their requirements at any time so check before you go.
The more forms of ID you have the better.
Photo ID with your name and address is the best. A birth certificate is also handy and is cheaper than some other forms of ID.
A Health Care Card is also good. It can be used as ID and helps you get cheaper services and prescription drugs.
You should aim for the following set of ID:
Some ID is free (eg Medicare cards) and other ID doesn’t expire (eg birth certificates). So you should get these as soon as possible.
If you were born in Australia, proof of birth means:
If you were born outside Australia, proof of birth means:
Centrelink also refers to ‘Proof of Birth’ as ‘Commencement of Identity’.
You can apply for a copy of your birth certificate from the Registry where you were born:
Phone: 1300 369 367
GPO Box 4332, Melbourne, VIC 3001
Customer Service Centre:
Ground floor, 595 Collins Street, Melbourne (near Southern Cross Station).
Website: https://online.justice.vic.gov.au/bdm /certificate-applications
PO Box 225, Civic Square, ACT 2608
Phone: (02) 6207 0460
Website: www.ors.act.gov.au
GPO Box 30, Sydney NSW 2001
Phone: 1300 655 236
Website: www.bdm.nsw.gov.au
Email: bdm-webmail@agd.nsw.gov.au
GPO Box 3021, Darwin, NT, 0801
Phone: (08) 8999 6119
Website: www.nt.gov.au
Email: RegistrarGeneral.DOJ@nt.gov.au
PO Box 15188, City East, QLD 4002
Phone: (07) 3247 9203
Email: bdm-mail@justice.qld.gov.au
GPO Box 1351, Adelaide, SA 5001
Phone: (08) 8204 9599
Website: www.ocba.sa.gov.au
Email: applications.bdm@agd.sa.gov.au
GPO Box 198, Hobart, TAS 7001
Phone: 1300 135 513 or (03) 6233 0755
Website: www.justice.tas.gov.au
Email: bdm@justice.tas.gov.au
PO Box 7720, Cloisters Square, Perth WA 6850
Phone: 1300 305 021
Website: www.bdm.dotag.wa.gov.au
GPO Box 365, Sydney, NSW, 2001
Phone: +64 4 474 8150 or 1300 559 535
Website: www.dia.govt.nz
Email: bdm.nz@dia.govt.nz
Standard certificates: Around $55, depending on the state/territory (+ postage).
Contact the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) in your state of birth. Ask them for a birth certificate application form OR ask the prison staff for help and Prison ID, if you need it.
Fill out the form and send it to Intel. Intel will confirm your identity and forward the documents to the BDM Office.
If you were born overseas you can’t apply for a birth certificate from prison. You can apply for copies of Australian government issued documentation such as citizen certificates or residency papers.
If you have all the ID and the application fee, the easiest option is to go to the BDM Customer Service Centre.
Download or Ask the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages for an application.
Make photocopies of your original proof of identity (POI) documents and have them certified (see below).
Mail your documents with the completed application form and fee back to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.
If you were born outside Australia, citizenship papers, visas and residency certificates can be used as proof of birth.
To access any of these documents you can visit the Department of Home Affairs website at http://www.immi. gov.au/allforms/pdf/119.pdf.
You can also call them on 131 881.
The cost of a new citizenship certificate is $275.
If you can’t access the internet ask for help from someone who can.
Getting a passport can be complicated and they are expensive.
If you need one for your release, talk to prison staff for help.
Once you are out, contact a Post Office for the latest information.
Each state/territory has its own authority that manages drivers licences and other road and transport requirements.
Phone: 131 171
Website: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/
Phone: 13 77 88
Website: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/
Phone: 13 23 80
Website: https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/
Phone: 1300 135 513
Website: https://www.service.tas.gov.au/
Phone: 13 22 81
Website: www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/
Phone: 13 10 84
Website: www.service.sa.gov.au/
You will need to renew your licence if it has expired.
In Victoria, VicRoads will send you a letter about five weeks before your licence expires. This will go to your last known address so make sure VicRoads has the right details.
Driving with an expired licence is a criminal offence. If you have lost your card and want to check the status of your licence, call VicRoads or the equivalent in your state/territory.
If your licence has expired by less than five years you can call the road authority and ask them to send you a renewal notice.
If you’re not sure where you will be staying, have it sent to a safe address (such as a relative’s house).
If you don’t have a drivers’ licence or passport a Proof of Age Card is your next best option for photo ID. It only costs $10.
You can pick up a Proof of Age card application form at most pharmacies or post offices.
You can also ask prison staff about getting a form.
Take the completed application form and your ID to an ‘Authorised Referee’ and sign the form in front of them.
An ‘Authorised Referee’ is a person who:
The Authorised Referee must then complete and sign the Authorised Referee declaration on the application form.
Go to a Photo Point agency to get your photograph taken (some prison locations will be able to take the photo for you) and lodge the application form. Take along your identification documents as the person from the agency is required to check your documents and also sign the application form.
Making a false statement is a serious offence.
Phone: 132 011
A Medicare card is important ID. It is easy to get and free.
You need your Medicare card to access government subsidised medical, eye and hospital care and prescription medicine.
Replacement Medicare cards and other information will be sent to the last known address. To advise Medicare of a new address, call them, visit a Services Australia office, or go to their website: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare
If you have previously had a Medicare card, you can ask for a replacement to be sent out to you. You should be able to organise a Medicare card from prison with the help of prison staff.
After you are released, call them to find out if you can replace your card over the phone.
If you have never been enrolled in Medicare you will need to provide identification to show you are eligible. Ask them what you’ll need to bring in when you talk to them.
If you don’t have enough ID tell them your circumstances. Your release papers are normally accepted as identification.
Many organisations will require 100 points of ID. They have their own systems so each piece of ID will be worth a different amount depending on the agency.
Photo ID and birth certificates are generally worth the most points.
Here is an example:
Drivers License = 70 points
Birth Certificate = 50 points
= 120 points
Driver’s licence = 50 points
Medicare card = 20 points
Key card = 20 points
Phone bill = 15 points
= 105 points
Sometimes you will be asked to send certified copies of documents when you apply for ID.
A certified copy is a photocopy signed by someone who has seen the original document.
Only certain people are able to certify documents. The list includes: pharmacists, police officers, solicitors or barristers, public servants, justices of the peace, doctors, dentists, court registrars, accountants or psychologists.
Never send original documents by mail unless you have to. They won’t be returned and may not even get there.
ATO: 13 28 61
If you have lost your tax file number or need to update your details, call the Australian Tax Office (ATO).
Go to Centrelink or an Australian Tax office to get the form. The form is called Tax file number – application or enquiry for individuals (NAT 1432). You can also call 1300 720 092 to ask for it.
Send your form to the ATO with the following 3 documents to prove your identity:
Your tax file number will be sent to you in the mail.
There are many documents that can be used even if they are only worth a small amount of points. These include:
Almost anything with your name on it can be used as ID so hang on to all your records and official correspondence.
Getting a job after prison is hard for most people. If you had a job before you went in, you may not be able to go back to it, or you might not want to.
As well as feeling excited about your release, you may also be feeling fearful that something will go wrong so that your release will be delayed, or that you won’t be able to make it once you’re released.
If you’re returning to your partner, it’s normal to feel anxious about living together again. Talk about your hopes and plans before release and keep talking once you go home. Listen to them, and get help early if you’re having relationship problems.
Feeling isolated and lonely is very common after you’ve left prison. In prison you didn’t expect to open up to people and enjoy their company. Now you’re outside, it takes time to relax and be friendly to people.
Getting a job after prison is hard for most people. If you had a job before you went in, you may not be able to go back to it, or you might not want to.
For many of us, the idea of re-entering society after incarceration can feel like standing at a crossroad, unsure of which way to go.
As well as feeling excited about your release, you may also be feeling fearful that something will go wrong so that your release will be delayed, or that you won’t be able to make it once you’re released.
Studying after you leave prison may be a good option to help you learn new skills and give you more options and opportunities for employment. Studying can also help keep you motivated after leaving prison.
Help us get About Time off the ground. All donations are tax deductible and will be vital in providing an essential resource for people in prison and their loved ones.
Help us get About Time off the ground. All donations are tax deductible and will be vital in providing an essential resource for people in prison and their loved ones.
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