Identification for driver licensing

To obtain or renew a driver licence, you'll need to show us some identification.

We'll also need to see some evidence of your address, so that we mail your driver licence to the right place.

Why do I have to show certain types of identification?

We need to have steps in place to prevent people from obtaining a driver licence fraudulently. Requiring particular forms of identification improves the integrity of the licence system and protects law-abiding drivers.

Why do I have to present identification every time I renew my licence?

The identification requirements help to reduce the chances of driver licensing fraud.

Evidence of your identity

All forms of identification need to be original documents. You need to present one of the following kinds of identification:

• a New Zealand photographic driver licence that is current or has expired within the last two years
• a current temporary driver licence that is accompanied by a form of photographic identification of the applicant that is acceptable to the NZTA
• a New Zealand or overseas passport that is current or has expired within the last two years
• a full birth certificate¹ issued in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau
• a New Zealand photo firearms licence that is current or has expired within the last two years
• one of the following certificates issued under the Citizenship Act 1977²
  • a certificate of New Zealand citizenship
  • a certificate confirming New Zealand citizenship
  • a certificate confirming registration of New Zealand citizenship by descent
• a current certificate of identity issued under the Passports Act 1992
• a current refugee travel document issued by or on behalf of the government of New Zealand
• a current certificate of identity as defined in section 2(1) of the Immigration Act 1987
• a New Zealand Defence Force photo identity card issued to non-civilian staff that is current or has expired within the last two years.

¹ Older-style birth certificates that do not include your parents' details are no longer accepted by government agencies (including the NZ Transport Agency) as evidence of identity.

² Certificates that do not confirm your name, date of birth, place of birth, gender and effective date of citizenship will not be accepted.

Evidence of name change

If your name has changed since being issued with a licence or is different from that shown on your identification, you will need to provide proof of your name change. Suitable documents (these must be originals) are:

• marriage or civil union certificate
• a dissolution of marriage or civil union order
• a statutory declaration, a deed poll change of name or a name change certificate, issued by Births, Deaths and Marriages
• other suitable evidence of name change (eg adoption papers).

Evidence of address

You also need to show us proof of your address. Suitable documents (these must be originals) include:

• an account statement issued within the last 12 months by your bank, building society, credit union or credit card company, which has your name and address on it
• a telephone, gas, or electricity account issued within the last six months, which has your name and address on it
• another form of identity issued within the last 12 months, which has your name and address on it.

Where can I find out more?

For more information, contact the NZ Transport Agency:

• Phone our contact centre on 0800 822 422.
• Write to us at: NZ Transport Agency, Palmerston North Office, Private Bag 11777, Palmerston North 4442.