Identification requirements

Each application form at Sydney Airport has different Identity Document requirements. Applicants are required to attend Airport Services Centre with their original Application Form and original identification documents in the accepted condition prior to being provided with their ASIC and/or access control card.

Information regarding accepted documents including examples may be found on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Identity Document Requirements (by application type)

Application typeDocument requirement category
Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC)

- Category A
- Category B
- Category C
- Category D
- Police Check*

Visa Identification Card (VIC)

-
Category B

Only in case of multiday or Visa VIC – Foreign Citizens are required to provided their passport and supporting visa

Landside Terminal Identification Card

Category B
Australian Citizens born overseas – Australian Passport
Overseas Citizens – Passport and Supporting Visa)
Access Control Card- Category B: Presented with valid RED or Grey ASIC

Examples of accepted documents (by category)

Document requirement categoryDocument examples
Category A (Start of an individual’s identity in Australia)

- Australian Birth Certificate (Commemorative certificates not acceptable)
- Australian Citizenship Certificate
- Australian Citizenship by decent
- Immicard
- Australian Visa with supporting Passport
- (Australian Visa Label, Visa Grant Notice, VEVO Email) - Australian Protection Visa - (Australian Visa label, Visa Grant Notice, VEVO Email)
Category B – (Your Identity linked by Photo and Signature)

-
Must have Applicant's Photo and Signature and be current and Valid. Must be Government issued document and be different to Category A -Digital Driver’s Licence are not accepted.

- Passport
- Drivers License
- Proof of age card
Category C - (Your evidence of Identity within Australian community)

If applicable must be current and valid and no commemorative certificate

- Medicare
- Marriage / Change of name certificate
- Bank card
- Australian Government Benefits Card
Category D - (Your current residential address proof)Only required if Category A, B or C do not include your residential address and document must not be older than 6 months)

- Utility Bill or Bank Statement
- Rates notice
- Tenancy agreement

NOTE: Sydney Airport can refuse to accept identity document under following scenarios:

- identity documents are not legible
- photograph in identity document is smudged
- applicant looks different to photo in identity document
- applicant’s signature does not match to identity document

Special Circumstances Documents

The following documents will not be accepted unless the following circumstances apply.

Not acceptedUnless
Documents showing a different nameYour identification documents must contain exact name matches, unless the name variation is supported by a linking document. Acceptable examples of change of name linkage documents include marriage certificates, change of name certificates and deed poll. A statutory declaration is not an acceptable change of name linkage document.
Documents in a foreign languageForeign language documents must be accompanied by a professional translation. An acceptable translator is the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).

Visit the NAATI website to locate a translator. Alternatively, phone (02) 6260 3035 or email: info@naati.com.au for further information. In New South Wales, the Community Relations Commission (CRC) for a Multicultural NSW employs NAATI accredited translators. Translations on CRC letterhead that are certified as an extract translation of the document(s) and include the ID number of the translator are acceptable.

Please note: if you’re presenting a document translated overseas – please contact your local mission or consulate to validate the validity of your documents and translations.
Documents that are laminated or tampered with including your application formOnly original documents that have not been altered or modified will be accepted. (e.g. laminated documents are not valid nor are any documents on which liquid paper or white out has been used)

Residing in a foreign country

The validity of overseas police certificates is five years. The Department of Home Affairs website provides information on how to apply for clearance from each country.

If you apply for an ASIC application and you have continuously resided in a foreign country for more than six months, an overseas police certificate is required for each country you resided in. An ASIC application may be accepted without the overseas police certificate however, the ASIC will not be issued until the police certificate is provided. Sydney Airport may cancel an ASIC application where the applicant fails to provide evidence that they have applied for an overseas police certificate within 28 days.

Overseas clearance must be provided from either a Consulate or Law Enforcement agency of the country you resided.