What Is Australia's Digital ID?

Australia's Digital ID system is a government-backed framework that allows individuals to verify their identity once and reuse that verified identity across multiple government — and eventually private sector — services. Think of it as a trusted digital credential that proves you are who you say you are, without needing to repeatedly submit physical documents.

The system is governed by the Digital ID Act 2024, which establishes legal protections and an accreditation framework for Digital ID providers operating in Australia.

How Does It Work?

At its core, a Digital ID links your real-world identity documents (passport, driver's licence, Medicare card) to a secure digital credential. When you need to access a service, the provider requests identity verification from your Digital ID — your personal documents are not shared directly with the service.

The main government-backed Digital ID is myID (formerly known as myGovID), managed by the Australian Taxation Office. myID is already widely used by businesses and individuals to access ATO Online Services.

Who Can Use a Digital ID?

Currently, Digital ID access is available to:

  • Australian citizens and permanent residents with eligible identity documents
  • Businesses interacting with the ATO and other government agencies
  • Tax agents and registered practitioners

The government has signalled plans to progressively expand Digital ID to more services and to open accreditation to private sector providers, giving Australians more choice in how they verify their identity.

The Accreditation Framework

Under the Digital ID Act, providers must be accredited at different identity strength levels:

  • Standard strength — Suitable for lower-risk services; requires basic document verification.
  • Strong strength — Required for higher-risk or sensitive services; typically involves biometric matching against government records.
  • High strength — The highest level, involving the most rigorous verification processes.

The level required depends on the sensitivity of the service being accessed.

Privacy Protections

A major focus of the Digital ID legislation is privacy. Key protections include:

  • You are not required to use a Digital ID — alternative means of identification must remain available.
  • Data minimisation principles apply — only the information necessary for verification can be collected.
  • Accredited providers face restrictions on how they can use and store your data.
  • An independent oversight body monitors compliance.

What This Means for You

For most Australians, the practical impact will be gradual. If you already use myID for ATO services, not much will change immediately. Over time, you may find it easier and faster to access government services online, with less paperwork involved in identity verification.

It's worth setting up your myID account now if you haven't already — download the myID app from the App Store or Google Play, and verify your identity using your Australian documents.

Staying Informed

The Australian Government's Digital ID program is evolving. You can find official updates at digitalidentity.gov.au and through the ATO's website. As the system expands, Australia eGov will continue to publish plain-language guides on how to use these services.