Introduction
An NDIS Worker Check is valid for 5 years and can be used across Australia with any NDIS employer and in any NDIS role. You do not have to reapply if you move interstate or change employers or roles.
If you do not yet have an NDIS Worker Check, you will need to apply online.
Proving your identity when you apply
When you apply for an NDIS Worker Check you must provide documents to prove your identity. The screening agency uses your identity documents to:
- conduct a criminal history check
- gather the necessary information to assess your application
- be assured that you are who you say you are.
Most workers do not have a criminal record, or have minor or unrelated offences. However, some workers have committed serious offences, and for the safety of NDIS participants it's important they are identified.
The proof of identity process
There are 2 steps to prove your identity.
Step 1: online application
During the online application you enter the details of your identity documents. The details of at least one of your documents are checked against other government records.
If your details do not match, you can fix any errors or use an alternative identity document from the list of identity documents and categories.
After your details are authenticated you can proceed with the online form.
Step 2: visit a Service NSW Centre
You take all your identity documents to a Service NSW Centre within 28 days of starting the online application form. Your documents will be sighted by a staff member to make sure:
- all documents are in the same name (if not, you must bring any change of name documents such as your marriage certificate)
- your photo identity document is a true representation of you
- none of the documents are fraudulent or inaccurate.
Identity document requirements
You must provide 3 documents from 3 categories. At least one of your documents must contain your signature and photo.
Your documents must be current and original:
- photos, photocopies or certified copies are not acceptable
- expired documents are not acceptable
- Government-issued digital documents, such as a NSW digital driver licence, are accepted.
One document must contain your name in full
Your full name must appear on at least one document. As an example it is not acceptable to have only the first initial on every document.
All documents must be in the same name
Your documents cannot display different first, middle or last names except when:
- an initial is used (such as J Smith instead of John Smith), or
- a middle name is not included (such as John Smith instead of John James Smith)
- you use an abbreviated or common name (such as John Smith and Jonathan Smith)
- you have legally changed your name.
Change of name
If your documents are in different names because your name has been legally changed due to marriage, divorce or any other legal reason, you also need to provide one of the following:
- Australian marriage certificate (issued by a state or territory registry)
- Australian change of name certificate (issued by a state or territory registry)
Note: It is not acceptable to provide a statutory declaration or a certificate issued by a marriage celebrant as your change of name document.
Find out more about:
Translated documents
If any of your identity documents are not in English you must provide officially translated documents. Take both the original and the translated document(s) with you when you visit the service centre.
Identity documents and categories
Your 3 identity documents must come from 3 categories:
- one document from Category A
- one document from Category B
- one documents from Category C.
Category A
One of the following documents:
- Australian passport (private, official or diplomatic)
- Foreign passport with Australian visa (current at time of entry to Australia; evidenced as a visa sticker or Visa Entitlement Verification Online certificate)
- Australian birth certificate issued by a state or territory registry (full certificate, not an extract or birth card, or a commemorative certificate)
- Australian citizenship certificate
- Australian ImmiCard.
Apply for a birth certificate
If you were born in Australia and your birth was registered but you do not currently have a Category A document you can apply for a copy of your birth certificate.
Make sure you order a full birth certificate when you apply through the:
Category B
One of the following documents:
- Australian driver licence, learner permit or provisional licence
- Australian photo card or proof of age card issued by a state or territory government agency
- If not used in category A:
- Australian passport
- Foreign passport with Australian visa
- Australian ImmiCard.
Note: If you do not currently have a Category B document you can apply for a NSW Photo Card.
Category C
One of the following documents:
- Medicare card
- Centrelink card (Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card) or Australian Veteran card
- Australian bank card or credit card
- Australian student photo identity card
- Australian Tax Office notice of assessment (most recent financial year)
- Australian firearm licence (not minor or junior permit/licence)
- Australian Electoral Commission enrolment
- Trusted referee's report.
Special identity provisions
If you do not have the documents to meet the minimum identity requirements from categories A, B and C you may be able to apply using special provisions.
Note: Paper documents must not be laminated.
To apply using special provisions for identity documents you need:
- 4 identity documents from 2 categories that includes:
- up to 2 documents from Category A
- up to 2 documents from Category B
- up to 3 documents from Category C.
Privacy and personal information
To find out how your personal information will be handled after it is shared by Service NSW visit the Office of the Children's Guardian website to read about feedback and privacy.
Managing your NDIS Worker Check
To manage your NDIS Worker Check you must log in via the Service NSW website.
When you log in you can access your NDIS Worker Check details and:
- check the status of your application or
- update your details in your MyServiceNSW Account.
You cannot use the Service NSW mobile phone app to apply for or to access your NDIS Worker Check details. You must log in to your MyServiceNSW Account.
MyServiceNSW Account help
For help with your account go to MyServiceNSW Account help topics.
You'll find information on how to:
- create an account
- set up multi-factor authentication
- add or change a mobile number
- change or reset your password.
More information
Visit the Office of the Children's Guardian website for details of the steps to apply for an NDIS Worker Check and information on:
- application process and employer verification
- application assessment process
- help and contact
- feedback and privacy.
For details on what defines a worker, worker obligations, worker screening and other useful resources, visit the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.