Digital identity in Australia


In Australia, there are three main forms of digital identity:

Digital identity providers

myID

myID is a digital identity provider run by the Australian Government. myID allows users to verify their identity with government or non-government online services without having to provide their identity documents directly.
The process for logging into a website that supports myID is as follows:
  1. The user selects "Continue with Digital Identity" and enters their email
  2. The user enters the code generated by the myID mobile app
  3. If the code is correct, the user will be successfully authenticated to the website
As of January 2025 myID supports logging into 76 different online services.

Australia Post Digital iD

Digital iD by Australia Post is a smart phone based app that allows users to create and validate their ID against the Australian Government Document Verification Service and then use it as a primary ID system online and in person.
Users can use their Passports, Driver's Licenses or Medicare Card to assert and confirm ID online. A photo is taken, and head movement is detected to ensure the holder is real and their face matches. Your passport can be scanned using the phone's near-field communication reader and used to assert biometrics. The user's image with dynamic security features, and an updating QR code are then displayed to people to verify the ID. The date of birth and full name are displayed on the app. Australia Post claims it is acceptable for use to validate the holder's identity. It can be used instead of KeyPass for holders 18 years and older.
The Digital iD website states that it is used by over 50 government and private organisations across a variety of industries and sectors. Launched in 2016, questions were raised as to longevity of the offering after the founder quit, however, continued investment from Australia Post has seen Digital iD become the first industry provider accredited under the federal government’s Trusted Digital Identity Framework. Usage of Digital iD is growing, and Keypass in Digital iD is now accepted as proof of age to enter participating licensed venues and to purchase alcohol in Vic, Tas, Qld, ACT and NT.

myGov

myGov is a single sign-on service provided by the Australian Government that allows users to link together accounts with other government departments under the one account. It is primarily used for federal government services, however as of January 2025 some state government services have joined the service.
In order for a myGov account to be used with participating services the user must verify their identity using myID.
Some services supported by myGov include:
myGov also integrates with Australia Post [|MyPost Digital Mailbox] to facilitate secure electronic document delivery, as most government departments avoid the use of e-mail to directly deliver private documents.

Digital credentials

Some states and territories of Australia offer the ability for their residents to add a digital credential onto mobile phones for pre-existing licenses or identity cards. Digital credentials issued by state or territory governments are considered legal documents in Australia.
A digital Medicare card is also offered by the federal government through both the myGov website and the myGov app.

Digital identity verification services

Identity and associated information can be verified a number of ways: