100 Points of ID: What You Need to Know
As an international student in Australia, one of the tasks you'll encounter is providing 100 points of identification. This identification process is essential for various activities, such as opening a bank account or securing accommodation. In this guide, I'll break down the points system and provide tips on how to gather the necessary documents.
Why do you need an ID?
Firstly, the ID serves as proof of identity and residency status, enabling you to access essential services such as healthcare, banking, and public transportation. Additionally, it allows you to easily verify your identity when required, such as during exams, accommodation applications, or interactions with authorities. It’s also essential if you are looking to buy alcohol. Pubs, clubs, bars and bottle shops all require you to be over 18 so they usually ask for identification before you can enter the venue or buy alcohol at the bottle-o. With digitization a lot of the organisations now support Digital ID including Australian government’s myGovID and Australia Post’s Digital iD. That being said not all institutions recognise the digital ID and will require you to present the physical ID.
What is the 100 Points of Identification System?
The 100 points system is a method used in Australia to verify a person's identity both for citizens and non-citizens. Each type of document is assigned a specific point value, and it requires you to provide different documents that together make up the 100 points or more.
What gives you 100 points of ID?
There are two categories and the documents of these categories are weighted differently. The points can range from 20 to 70 points and the weightage can vary based on the institution requesting the ID (e.g. Australian Federal Police, Equifax, Commonwealth Bank). You must include at least 1 primary document as part of your 100 points.
Primary Documents (40 - 70 points each)
Foreign Passport (current)
Birth Certificate (in English or accompanied by a certified translation)
Drivers License (Overseas)
Secondary Documents (20 - 40 points each)
Proof of Age Card
Student ID Card (issued by an Australian educational institution)
Medicare Card
Credit/Debit Card (with your name and signature)
Bank Statement (less than six months old)
Utility Bill (less than six months old, with your name and address)
Rental Agreement or Lease
How to Collect 100 Points of ID as an international student?
Use at least one form of ID from each category to make up the 100 points. Here’s an example combination of documents that you might use to reach the 100 points:
Example 1: Passport (70 points) + Student ID Card (40 points)
Example 2: Passport (70 points) + Bank Statement (25 points) + Rental Agreement or Lease (25 points)
Things to Note
Certify Copies: Some organizations may require certified copies of your documents. You can get these certified by a Justice of the Peace (JP), a police officer, or another authorized individual.
Check Point Requirements: Different organizations might have varying point systems for the types of documents they accept. Always check the specific requirements beforehand to ensure you have the correct documentation.
Translate Documents: If your documents are not in English, you may need to provide certified translations. Ensure these translations are done by a recognized service and have them notorized.