Online Identity Check service coming soon

Currently, new clients need to verify their identity in a service centre. Identity Check will be an option when you apply online for a benefit or ongoing payment in MyMSD. It will make applying faster and easier. 

If you can’t or don’t want to use Identity Check, you can still verify your identity by coming into a service centre.

Who can use it

We ask you to verify your identity if you’re a new client or we don’t have the right ID on file for you.

You can use Identity Check when you’re applying through MyMSD for:

• a main benefit
• NZ Super or Veteran’s Pension
• other ongoing payments, e.g. Accommodation Supplement or Childcare Assistance.

You’ll need a NZ passport or current NZ driver licence to use it.

How it works

Identity Check is a safe and secure way to prove who you are. The service is provided by Te Tari Taiwhenua | Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).

It uses facial recognition technology managed by DIA. It will take a ‘live’ photo of you and compare it to your:

• driver licence image, or
• passport image.

There will be tips during the process on how to take a good photo.

Identity Check will tell you within a few moments if your identity has been confirmed. 

If the check isn’t successful, we’ll ask you to bring your original government-issued ID into a service centre.

Keeping your personal information safe

Verifying identity helps us protect your identity and makes sure we give support to the right person. 

Identity information is a taonga. We’re committed to protecting the information you share with us and keeping it safe.

Identity Check accesses identity information that’s already being kept in Aotearoa New Zealand.

If you agree to using Identity Check, it will access your:

• driver licence image from Waka Kotahi, or
• your passport image from DIA. 

We don’t have access to these photos, the photo taken during the Identity Check process, or the biometric information used.