Ian has struggled with the process of applying for a MyGovID and wants to know if it is worth the hassle.
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Q. Ian
I have read quite a bit about the MyGovID and how it is meant to make things easier for identification purposes. However, when I tried to sign up, I found it very confusing. Can you explain how it works and is it even worth using if you are not technologically literate?
A. A MyGovID is definitely worth using. Its chief purpose, for those who are not aware of the system, is that it makes it easier to prove who you are online. It is effectively like a 100-point ID check that you can use on your smart device.
All that you need to set up a MyGovID is a smart device and an email address. The smart device needs to be using iOS 10 or later on Apple devices or Android 7.0 (Nougat) or later.
The first step is to download the app, which you can do from the App Store or Google Play, depending on your device.
Once the app has downloaded, you will have to open it and follow the prompts. It will ask you for your full name, date of birth and email address.
After entering these details, you will have a ‘basic’ identity strength.
The next step of the process is adding your identity documents, which is probably the trickiest part of the process.
The identity strength that you need depends on the government online service you want to access using your MyGovID.
A ‘standard’ identity strength allows you to access all participating government online services.
You will need two of the following Australian identity documents (your name must match in each) to achieve a ‘standard’ identity strength:
- driver’s licence or learner’s permit
- passport
- birth certificate
- Medicare card.
If you’ve had a change in name, you may be able to verify this using a change of name certificate (Tasmania, South Australia, Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory only) or a marriage certificate.
A ‘basic’ identity strength (using your name, date of birth and email address) allows you to access some government online services. However, you may need to meet additional requirements, depending on the service.
In future, you’ll be able to use other identity documents and face-matching technology.
Do you have and use a MyGovID? How much easier do you find it?
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