Freedom of Information
Certified Identification
Factsheet
Why does the Department of Health and Human Services ask
for a certified copy of photo identification?
The Department of Health and Human Services (the department) receives a large number of freedom of
information applications for access to personal documents each year and needs to make a decision about
releasing documents in accordance with the
Freedom of Information Act 1982. Providing a certified copy of photo
identification (such as a driver’s licence or passport) with a freedom of information application assists the
department to verify that an applicant is the person who they claim to be.
What is a certified copy of photo identification?
A certified copy is a photocopy that has been verified to be a true copy by an approved witness (see list below for
approved witnesses). The person certifying the photocopy of the identification must sight the original identification
and make sure that the photo is of the same person. The person who certifies the identification must do the
following:
stamp or write “This is a true copy of the document sighted by me”;
write the date and their signature;
include their contact details (name, address and telephone number); and
use their official stamp or seal of their organisation or write their profession and organisation name.
Who can certify a copy of my photo identification?
There are many people who can certify identification, including the following:
a
pharmacist
a principal of a primary school, high school or secondary college
a member of the police force
a justice of the peace or a bail justice
a registered medical practitioner
a registered dentist
a veterinary practitioner.
What if I don’t have any photo identification?
If you do not have a photo identification document, please provide certified copies of two other documents that
show your identity, such as your Medicare card, pension card or an official letter that is addressed to you and
shows your current address. If you are unable to provide these documents, please contact the Freedom of
Information unit on 1300 650 172 or (03) 9096 8449.
Where do I send my certified identification?
Once you have a certified copy of your identification, please send this to:
Freedom of Information unit
Department of Health and Human Services
GPO Box 4057
Melbourne Victoria 3001
To receive this publication in an accessible format phone (03) 9096 8449, using the National
Relay Service 13 36 77 if required, or email xxx@xxxx.xxx.xxx.xx
Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.
© State of Victoria, Department of Health and Human Services, March 2016.
This fact sheet was created by the Department of Health and Human Services for information purposes only. It
is not a replacement for independent legal advice.
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