16 December 2021

6 million Australians using Digital Identity to access online services

Note

Joint media release with
The Hon Stuart Robert MP
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business

The Morrison Government’s Digital Identity System has reached an exciting milestone with more than 6 million Australians now choosing to use myGovID to access online services safely, securely and conveniently. myGovID is the Australian Government’s digital identity provider.

Using a Digital Identity is a convenient way for Australians to prove who they are online without revealing sensitive information – from anywhere and at any time. It is similar to a 100‑point ID check that can be done on a mobile phone or smart device for proof of identity when accessing government online services.

Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert, said that the Digital Identity System enables Australians to easily interact with government services online, in a secure and convenient way.

‘Australians have transformed the way they go about our daily lives, using the internet to do shopping to banking to accessing government services, so it is not unexpected Australians are seeking a safe, secure and convenient way to prove their identity online and myGovID is doing just that,’ Minister Robert said.

‘Australians are embracing Digital Identity as a better way to access government services. More opportunities for people to re‑use their myGovID Digital Identity are becoming available online, such as applying for a Tax File Number, an online Customer Reference Number as well as a Unique Student Identifier.

Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and the Digital Economy, Jane Hume, said Australians want control over their identity information and how it’s used by the companies and services they share it with, and a Digital Identity backed by the Australian Government helps make that easier.

‘Secure, easy to use and trusted identification is key to the growth of the digital economy. As more and more activity is online and digital, security and ease is vital. Government must keep pace.’ Minister Hume said.

‘We know how important factors like control over personal information, privacy and security are for Australians. The System has been developed with strict measures so Australians can trust that their details are securely encrypted and are protected by privacy protocols.

‘This is about going digital‑first, and we’re making sure the system is built around Australians’ needs from the very start.’

The Australian Government Digital Identity System and having a Digital Identity is entirely voluntary. Australians can choose whether to use Digital Identity or not. Over 6 million people including 1.3 million businesses, have chosen to use myGovID Digital Identity and are already seeing the benefits that it provides with access to over 80 government services online.

Additionally, since 1 November 2021, eligible company directors have been able to use their myGovID to apply for their director identification number (or director ID). So far over 185000 directors have successfully applied for a director ID and 95 per cent of those did so online using their myGovID.

For more information about the Australian Government Digital Identity System, visit the Digital Identity website.

For more information about how to get started with myGovID, visit the myGovID website.


How to create a Digital Identity with myGovID

Digital Identity is:

  • a safe, secure and convenient way to prove who you are every time you access government online services
  • entirely voluntary and controlled by you. You can choose when to use your Digital Identity and your information is not shared with any service unless you consent
  • an option to access government services; you can still access services by phone or in-person if preferred
  • is private, secure and protected by strict security protocols set by the Australian Government with a range of safeguards to stop your personal information being collected, profiled, used or sold for other purposes, such as direct marketing.

If you suspect someone has inappropriately accessed your personal information in myGovID, you need to report this immediately by calling the myGovID support line on 1300 287 539. Watch our video on how your personal information is protected.

Getting started with myGovID

Setting up your myGovID is easy and you can use it across a range of government online services.

  • Step 1: Download the myGovID app from the App Store or Google Play.
  • Step 2: Enter your details including your name, date of birth and email address.
  • Step 3: Prove who you are by verifying your identity documents, such as your Australian driver’s licence, passport or Medicare card. Your information is automatically checked against existing government records, for a speedy process.
  • Step 4: Increase your identity strength to Strong by verifying your photo. You will need an Australian passport and to complete a face verification check – a one-off scan that checks you’re not only a real person, but the right person verifying in real time.

Director identification number (director ID)

A director identification number (director ID) is a unique identifier directors need to apply for once and will keep forever. It’s free to apply and directors must apply for their director ID themselves because they need to verify their identity. No one can apply on their behalf.

If you want to become a director or are already one, you'll need a director ID. As announced recently by Minister Hume, you can now apply for a director ID.

When directors need to apply by depends on when they first became a director. For a full list of key dates see Who needs to apply and when.

To apply, you will need to use the myGovID app to log in to ABRS online. If you haven't already set up your myGovID, you will need to set up to a Standard or Strong identity strength to access this service.

Non-digital options are available for directors who can’t meet myGovID eligibility requirements or have limited digital access, such as some foreign directors or those with accessibility issues.

For more information about the Australian Government’s Digital Identity system, visit the Digital Identity website.

For more information about how to get started with myGovID, visit the myGovID website.