How to set up your Digital Identity
What is a Digital Identity?
A Digital Identity is a safe, secure and convenient way to prove your identity online. It is similar to a 100‑point identity check, but you can do it online from anywhere.
You need to log in to your ServiceWA app with your Digital Identity to access some secure services and offers. This means that only you can access these services.
Accessing services with a secure Digital Identity means there are less copies of your ID data and documents out in the world, limits the risks of identity theft and fraud, restricts the oversharing of personal information and puts you back in control of your personal information.
When using your Digital Identity, you can be confident that your personal information is protected and secure.
For information about Digital Identity, visit the Australian Government Digital Identity System website.
Key steps to set up your Digital Identity
- You must be over 15 years of age
- Have a smart device (iOS or Android)
- Download the myGovID app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. If you would like more information about myGovID visit the myGovID website
- Use a personal email address, not a shared or work email address
- Verify at least two Australian identity documents:
- Driver’s licence or learner’s permit
- Birth Certificate
- Citizenship Certificate
- Visa (using foreign passport)
- ImmiCard
- Passport (not more than three years expired)
- Medicare Card
- Allow enough time to set up your Digital Identity as it may take some time for myGovID to initially verify your identity documents.
If you’re having trouble, you can find support to help you verify your identity.
Important information when setting up your myGovID
- If you’ve set up your myGovID before, be sure to use the same email address. Setting up with a different email address will lock your myGovID on all devices and you’ll be unable to use it.
- You will have the option to verify your Medicare card once you verify one of the other identity documents in your myGovID app.
- If your name doesn’t match across your identity documents, 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 marriage certificate.
- Other important tips to note when verifying your identity.
- For more information about myGovID, visit the myGovID website.
Resources and Translations
A range of translated materials are available to communicate information about the ServiceWA app and how to set up your Digital Identity and the ServiceWA app. These materials can be download and shared with your community.
Visit our Resources and Translations page to find your preferred language and translated resources.
Your security is our priority - some tips for staying cyber safe
Here are some things you can do to keep yourself safe cyber safe:
- Use strong passwords.
- Carefully examine emails, text messages and websites before you click.
- Be careful what personal information you share with others.
- Avoid public wi-fi where possible.
- Check publicly known breaches (Have I Been Pwned: Check if your email has been compromised in a data breach)
- Update your operating system, software and apps.
- Check for malware.
- If you suspect your accounts are compromised contact the app provider immediately.
- For more general information on staying cyber safe, visit: Cyber Security Awareness Toolkit.
Ready with your Digital Identity? Now download the latest version of the ServiceWA app
The ServiceWA app is available to download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Frequently asked questions
How do I install the myGovID app?
Show moreTo access some services in the ServiceWA app you will need to set up a Digital Identity using the myGovID app. To do this you will first need to download the myGovID app.
- If you are using an Apple device you will visit the Apple App Store.
- If you are using an Android device you will visit Google Play Store.
Once downloaded you’ll need to set up your myGovID.
Find out how at, https://www.mygovid.gov.au/set-up
How do I set up a Digital Identity such as myGovID?
Show moreYou will need a smart device with access to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and an email address.
As it’s your personal Digital Identity, this should be your personal email address. It should not be a work email address, or one used by multiple people.
- Download the myGovID app from the Apple App Store or Google Play
- Enter your details including your full name, date of birth and email address
- Set up your myGovID to a Standard identity strength using your Australian identity documents.
What documents do I need to set up my Digital Identity (such as myGovID)?
Show moreTo access some services in the ServiceWA app, you need at least a Standard identity strength. To set up a Standard identity strength, you need to enter your personal details and verify at least two of the following Australian identity documents (your name must match on both):
- Driver’s licence or learner’s permit
- Passport (not more than three years expired)
- Birth certificate
- Visa (using your foreign passport)
- ImmiCard
- Medicare card
- Citizenship certificate
I am having difficulty setting up my myGovID, how do I get help?
Show moreIf you are having trouble, you can find support to help you verify your identity.
For further help setting up your myGovID visit the help section of the myGovID website.
Can I use my mobile device’s camera scanning function?
Show moreThe camera scanning function for myGovID is no longer available. You will need to manually type in the details required to verify your documents.
Why am I receiving an error message saying ‘Your name is different’?
Show moreWhen setting up your myGovID, your name needs to match on both of your Australian identity documents. If you receive the message ‘Your name is different’, the following actions may help to fix your issue.
Verify a change in name
You may be able to verify a change in name with a:
- marriage certificate
- change of name certificate (Tasmania, South Australia, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory only).
If you changed your name by deed poll, updating your birth certificate, or if your documents do not match for another reason, try the following.
Use an alternative identity document:
Check if you have alternative documents that match. If so, you can use these to set up your myGovID. Where you've already verified a document and you’re now unable to verify further documents due to a name change, you will need to call the myGovID support line.
Update your identity documents to match:
If you need to update your name on an identity document, don’t verify it in your myGovID app yet. First, contact the document issuer to check if they can update your details. For example, you may be able to update your driver’s licence to reflect a change in name or correct a difference.
Cancel any 'pending' documents:
If you tried to verify a document before updating it, check if it is pending in your app before you try verifying it again. Do not delete your myGovID app. The document tab will be shaded with the message ‘Pending, confirm your name’.
If it is pending:
- select the pending document
- select Cancel on the ‘Confirm your name’ screen
- select Continue to confirm
Why is myGovID not verifying my birth certificate?
Show moreThe registration number for Western Australia birth certificates may be formatted in different ways depending on the year it was issued.
You only need to enter the seven numbers in the Registration number field, and do not include any letters. For example, for Registration number 1234567X/YYYY, you would only enter 1234567 in the Registration number field.
If you do not have seven numbers, you will need to add zeros at the front. For example, for Registration number 123456X/YYYY, you would enter 0123456 in the Registration number field.
If your certificate was issued before 26 November 2001, it will include a registration number and district name. You will need to enter both the district number and registration number in the Registration number field. For example, for Registration number 1/234/56/X, ‘1’ is the district number and ‘234’ is the registration number. You would enter 0100234 in the Registration number field.
For more information on verifying your Western Australian birth certificate including what to do if you only have a single name or have had a change of name please visit the myGovID website.
If you’re experiencing issues verifying a birth certificate from another state, you can find support on the myGovID website.
Why does myGovID want me to verify my identity again on my new smart device, when I’ve already verified on my old one?
Show moreFor your privacy and security, you will need to re-verify your identity on myGovID when you get a new mobile phone, change your device or are using myGovID on multiple devices.
Please note that you will also need to re-verify your identity if you have forgotten your myGovID password.
Why am I unable to verify my MyGovID?
Show moreIf you are unable to verify your MyGovID you can find support on the MyGovID website: Help: Error codes or messages | myGovID
Why is my identity unable to be verified?
Show moreFor support with using the MyGovID app, please visit the MyGovID website: Help: Proving your identity | myGovID
How do I contact MyGovID?
Show moreFind MyGovID contact information on the MyGovID website: Help: Contact us | myGovID.
What happens if I reset my myGovID app?
Show moreIf you are unable to verify your identity you can find support on the MyGovID website: Help: Error codes or messages | myGovID.
How can I get help with myGovID?
Show moreFor support with myGovID, visit the myGovID help page (hyperlink www.myGovID.gov.au/help)
I’ve added a block to my driver’s licence. How do I remove it to use my driver’s licence for my Digital Identity?
Show moreYou can add and remove a driver’s licence block anytime using DoTDirect. If you have placed a block on your driver’s licence and need to use it to set up your Digital Identity, you can temporarily lift the block.
To do this, log into DoTDirect https://www.transport.wa.gov.au/dotdirect/dotdirect.asp and navigate to the Protect your identity section on the Driver’s licence page.