Identity Check

Identity Check aims to make it quick and easy for someone  to prove their identity online.

The service uses the same biometric technology that New Zealanders use to apply for a passport, citizenship and RealMe.

Identity Check is convenient and low-cost for users and can be done using a phone or personal device from anywhere and at any time of the day.

As a result, there’s no need to complete the verification process in person or handover paper identity documents – or wait on DIA to rubberstamp your application before you can use the service.

Identity assurance rating

This service offers  a medium level of identity assurance.

How Identity  Check protects personal data

Behind-the-scenes, Identity Check matches the biographic data of a user’s image to the image held in secure government databases by DIA and Waka Kotahi/New Zealand Transport Association.

It doesn’t share data with third parties or rely on a central data source. Instead it pulls data from that data source in real time with the user’s consent.

This means a user is always in control of their information, including how and when it is shared.

A lot of work goes into making sure DIA digital identity services meet New Zealand’s data protection and security requirements, including having service models reviewed by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.

Use of the service

More than 100,000 people have used the service since it was launched to apply for a Hospitality New Zealand KiwiAccess Card (proof of identity) and financial assistance from the Ministry of Social Development.

In 2024, the service was added to the All-of Government Service Modernisation Roadmap as a reusable digital component that government agencies can use to improve digital services offered by government.

Technical requirements to integrate with Identity Check

Integrating with Identity Check requires use of the Open ID Connect (OIDC) protocol.

We encourage  agencies to contact DIA to discuss integration with the Identity Check service. 

Email : identitycheck@dia.govt.nz

Using Identity Check

To use Identity Check, a user logs on to a website to complete an application process, accepts the terms of use and enters the details of their passport or driver’s licence. These details are then matched to the relevant database to verify their identity.

Further reading:  Identity Check Bias Evaluation