Verification of identity

1. ​​​Why do I need to have my identity verified?

All applicants for teacher registration in Western Australia are required to provide consent for a national criminal history check. National criminal history checks are undertaken on by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) on behalf of the TRBWA.

As part of the ACIC requirements, we are required to verify the identity of the person making the application.

You must have your identity verified for all registration applications. This includes renewal of registration and change of category applications. 

2. What identity documents do I need to provide?

You must provide at least three (3) identity documents for the national criminal history check. The three documents must comply with the ACIC requirements and include:

  • one document from the list of Commencement of identity documents to confirm your birth in, or arrival in Australia (such as, but not limited to, an Australian birth certificate, current Australian passport, ImmiCard, Australian Citizenship certificate);
  • one document from the list of Primary use in the community documents (such as, but not limited to, an Australian driver licence, a foreign (non-Australian passport with a valid visa or entry stamp); and
  • one document from the list of Secondary use in the community documents (such as, but not limited to, a Medicare card, Australian tertiary student photo identity document, Working with Children Check card).

The combined identity documents must contain your:

  • full legal name
  • date of birth
  • clear photograph.

Please note, only one identity document needs to include a photograph.

Please refer to the Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check Application and Informed Consent Form for a list of the identity documents that may meet the minimum proof of identity requirements.

Please contact us for further advice if you are unable to meet the minimum proof of identity requirements.

3. What if my identity documents do not contain a photograph?

If your identity documents do not include a photograph you must submit a clear, passport-style photograph certified by a person listed on the Authorised witnesses for TRBWA registration processes guide.  

The authorised third party must sight the passport-style photograph of you and clearly print the following information on the back of that photograph: 

1. “This is a true image of (full name of the applicant)”;

2. the third party’s name and position or role e.g. Justice of Peace;

3. the third party’s signature; and

4. date of signature.

You will then need to upload a copy of both sides of the certified photograph within the Identification photo section of your online application for registration.

4. How do I verify my identity?

You have two options to verify your identity:

  • An authorised third party can make a face-to-face visual comparison between you and the original photo identity document submitted with your application and complete your 'Verification of identity by an authorised third party' form. An authorised third party must be employed in an occupation as listed in the Authorised witnesses for TRBWA registration processes guide.
  • In person - you can attend the TRBWA office in person where a staff member can verify your identity. 

Please contact us for further advice if you are unable to complete the identity verification process through one of the methods outlined above.

5. How do I verify my identity with an authorised third party?

Once you have uploaded the required identity documents and verified your personal details as part of the online application process, you will be able to download your ‘Verification of identity by an authorised third party’ form. You will then need to:

1. Print the form.

2. Present the form and all the original identity documents you have provided as part of your application, to an authorised third party to undertake an identity verification. 

3. The authorised third party must:

  • sight all identity documents;
  • make a face-to-face visual comparison between you and the photo identity document, and
  • complete sections 3 and 4 of the form.

4. Ensure all sections of the form are complete.

5. Sign in to Teacher Login and find your open application.

6. Upload a copy of this completed form to your online application for registration within the ‘Verification of Identity’ section.

6. What does it mean to be an authorised third party?

An authorised third party is an occupation or person as listed in the Statutory Declaration Regulations 2023. 

For the purposes of teacher registration in Western Australia, an authorised third party can verify the identity of an applicant on behalf of the TRBWA.

Please refer to the Authorised witnesses for TRBWA registration processes guide for a list of authorised third parties.

When verifying the identity of an applicant, the authorised third party will need to:

1. Sight the three (3) original identity documents the applicant has provided as part of their application. These identity documents will be detailed on the applicant’s ‘Verification of identity by an authorised third party’ form,

2. Make a face-to-face comparison between the applicant and the photo identity document; and

3. Complete sections 3 and 4 of the ‘Verification of identity by an authorised third party’ form.