The Department of Internal Affairs

Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs

Building a safe, prosperous and respected nation



 

Services › Identity Verification Service

Verify your identity

The Identity Verification Service, operated by the Department of Internal Affairs, is part of RealMe®, which is a service from the New Zealand government. A RealMe® verified identity is the secure way to prove your identity online.

To get a RealMe® verified identity, you need to complete an online application. If you apply using your New Zealand passport or Citizenship certificate you can take your own photo online, otherwise you'll need to have your photo taken at a participating photo store. Alternatively, you can get a verified identity through the Passports website when you apply for your adult passport online.

The identity verification service processes RealMe® verified identity applications by checking the photo and identity details against official records. You’ll then be contacted to confirm that your identity is verified.

To find out where you can use your RealMe® verified identity and how to apply, visit realme.govt.nz