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A RealMe login is a username and password you use to access New Zealand government services online. It is unique to you and doesn't share any of your personal details. Only you can see where and when it has been used.

A RealMe verified identity is a New Zealand Government-issued digital identity that's linked to your RealMe login. It lets you prove who you are online with participating services by confirming key personal details – like your name, gender and date of birth. It also includes a photo of you. When you use your verified identity online, you must consent to share your details. This means you are in control of your personal information.

Before you apply for your verified identity, check to see if you need one. If a service says "log in with RealMe", you may just need a RealMe login – not a verified identity. For example, you do not need a verified identity to apply for a New Zealand passport or a visa with Immigration New Zealand.

Where to use RealMe

The simplest way to check is to log in to your RealMe account at realme.govt.nz. If it says your account is not yet verified, you do not have a RealMe verified identity.

Once your RealMe verified identity application is submitted (either online or at a partner store), you can expect to hear from us within 5 working days. We'll email you if we need more information and to confirm that your verified identity has been approved.

Log in to your RealMe account and check the details in the Your Identity section. To update your name or gender, select Manage your identity. If your details are incorrect, please contact us.

Contact us

If you're not in New Zealand, you can still create a RealMe login (username and password) and provide an overseas phone number for your contact details. It is helpful to link an authenticator app when you create your RealMe login if you're overseas and can't receive text codes.

While it's possible to apply for a RealMe verified identity outside New Zealand, there are very few RealMe services available to people who live overseas, so you may not need one. For example, you do not need a verified identity to apply for a New Zealand passport or a visa with Immigration New Zealand.

If you do not need a RealMe verified identity immediately, wait until you're in New Zealand.

To apply for or renew your verified identity while you're overseas, you must be able to take your photo online using your device. You may also need to provide an identity referee.

We can only issue a verified identity with information that matches an authoritative source record such as a New Zealand passport, citizenship, birth, or immigration record.

If you apply using your New Zealand passport or citizenship details, your gender will be passed through from the passport or citizenship record.

If you apply using a New Zealand birth certificate or immigration record, you'll need to enter your gender as male, female, or non-binary. This will be manually checked against the record by our processing team.

If you’ve forgotten your password, use the “forgot password” link on the RealMe log in page.

You’ll need to enter your username and an email address associated with that username. Alternatively, you can click on "Reset password by TXT instead" and enter your username and associated mobile number.

Then click the “Send code” button. You’ll be sent a six-digit code by email or text. Enter the code from the email or text into the confirmation code field and click the “Confirm code” button. You can then enter a new password, confirm that password by entering it again, and then click the “reset password” button.

If you’ve forgotten your username, use the “forgot username” link on the RealMe log in page.

You’ll need to enter an email address associated with your username. Alternatively, you can click on "Get username by TXT instead" and enter a mobile number.

Click the “Send code” button. You’ll be sent a six-digit code by email or text. Enter the code from the email or text into the confirmation code field and click the “Confirm code” button. You’ll receive an email advising you of your username.

To change your name on your verified identity, you’ll need to tell us:

• your new name details
• how you're entitled to the new name (for example, by marriage, or because you've changed your name by statutory declaration or by deed poll)
• the details on the document (which for marriage and civil union certificates will include your old name)
• the date it changed
• whether the change was registered in New Zealand or overseas.

You'll need to provide a document as proof if:

• you changed your name or got married overseas, or
• you were born overseas and changed your name in New Zealand before 25 January 2009.

To update your name, log in to your RealMe account and select Manage your identity.

A verified identity can only be issued in a gender that matches an authoritative source. This can include your New Zealand birth, passport, citizenship or immigration record.

If you want to have a gender on your verified identity that differs from one of these records, you must supply an acceptable document to support your requested gender. This could be an overseas passport, pre-2023 New Zealand court order or non-evidentiary certificate from the New Zealand citizenship office.

To change your gender on your verified identity, you’ll need to tell us:

• your new gender
• where your new gender is recorded.

To update your gender, log in to your RealMe account and select Manage your identity.

If you were born in New Zealand and have applied for a change of registered sex with Births, Deaths and Marriages, your verified identity will be updated automatically as part of this process.

To change any of your login details, go to the RealMe home page and click "Log in". Log in and click on the "Settings" tab, then select the item you wish to change from the menu.

Some options require you to re-enter your password and a second factor login code. This will be sent to you by text message, or be available via Authenticator app if you have this option set up.

Once your mobile is registered to receive second factor codes, it can't be deleted via self-service. Please give us a call on 0800 664 774 (or +64 4 462 0674 from overseas).

You can suspend your RealMe account any time so that your RealMe login cannot be used.

To suspend your account, call us on 0800 664 774 (or +64 4 462 0674 from overseas). You can reactivate it later.

To cancel your RealMe verified identity, log in to your RealMe account. On the Welcome to RealMe page, select Manage your identity.

If your RealMe verified identity is due to expire within 90 days, you cannot cancel it.

RealMe verified identities are valid for:

• 5 years if they were issued before 5 January 2023
• 10 years if they were issued on or after 5 January 2023.

You should get an email reminder before your verified identity expires.

If you don’t renew straight away, you can still use your RealMe login for services that don't require a verified identity, and continue to use services you have shared your verified identity with already.

The RealMe service enables you to verify your address through the New Zealand Post Address Verification Service.

To verify your address follow these easy steps:

• Go to the RealMe Homepage
• Click “Log in” in the top right corner of the page
• Enter your username and password
• Complete the Security check by entering in the 6 digit RealMe code from your device
• In the “Your Address” section click "Verify my address", then follow the prompts.

The way it works is simple:

1. Add your home address. Simply enter the address of your main place of residence (your primary home address) online in the New Zealand Post Address Verification Service, or choose your primary address in the Address Verification Service where you have already provided that address to New Zealand Post (for example, when you registered to use New Zealand Post online services, or when you used the "Manage My Addresses" service). You'll also have to add your full name and date of birth.
2. The system will then attempt to match your details to trusted online data sources. If a match is made your address will be verified immediately.
3. If no match is made, New Zealand Post will physically mail a verification code to the address you selected. This will take five to seven business days to arrive.
4. Enter your code. When your code arrives, just go to the RealMe home page, log into your RealMe verified details and enter it in the space provided.

Please be aware that only New Zealand home addresses can be verified for use with RealMe. You cannot verify an overseas address, P O Box or Private Bag for use with RealMe.

To update your verified address with RealMe, follow these steps:

• Go to the RealMe home page and click Log in
• Under "Your Address" section, select "UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS"
• Once transferred to the New Zealand Post Address Verification Service, select the "ADD YOUR HOME ADDRESS" option.

Only your main place of residence (primary home address) can be verified for RealMe. You cannot use a P O Box, temporary accommodation address or non-residential address with RealMe.

Report possible fraud using our enquire online form and select "security or privacy concerns" as the subject

If you’re being prompted for an authenticator code, it’s because you’ve previously registered an authenticator app in your RealMe account. If you no longer have the device with the authenticator app, phone the helpdesk on 0800 664 774. We'll help you sort it.

If you are experiencing browser issues, you can try clearing your browser cache and cookies.

Google Chrome

Safari - iPhone, iPad or iPod touch

Safari - Mac

When logging in with RealMe, if you receive a warning that states "There is a problem with this website's security certificate", you can be assured that RealMe's security certificates are always kept up to date. The issue is likely to be a browser, computer or network setting.

We would recommend completing an online search for your specific device, browser and operating system for a solution.

Common solutions include checking your network time and date settings are correct, or clearing your browser cache.

Make sure your device meets these system requirements:

Compatible devices

iPhone/iPad (iOS):

• iOS 26
• iOS 18

Mac (macOS):

• 26 Tahoe
• 15 Sequoia

Android:

• 16.0
• 15.0

Windows:

• 11.0
• 10.0

Windows mobile:

• 10.0
• 8.1

Supported browsers

Chrome 143 and 144

Safari 18 and 26

Edge 143 and 144

If you are creating a RealMe login (username and password) from overseas and you are having trouble entering your mobile number, note that only a New Zealand or Australian mobile number can be added. This is an optional field so you can leave it blank.

If you are entering your Alternative contact number this can be from anywhere. If you have trouble entering an overseas number, try leaving out the 0 at the beginning of your number when you enter the “Prefix”.

For example, if you are in the United Kingdom, select Country code UK (+44), then in the “Prefix” field enter the area code without the 0, so just 4 digits for the prefix.

Some customers with Australian mobile numbers may be asked to register an Authenticator App when they log in with RealMe. This may prevent you from using your mobile number to complete second factor authentication. Instead, you will be prompted to add an Authenticator App. This is a simple process, for more information refer to the 'Authenticator apps' section under 'Add extra security'.

Please check you have entered your address details correctly.

If the address displayed correctly matches your address, please request a new verification letter by:

• Go to the RealMe homepage and click Log in
• Under "Your Address", then select "Update your address"
• Once transferred to the New Zealand Post Address Verification Service, click "Request New Code" button.

Please be aware that if the original letter arrives after you've requested a new verification letter, the PIN shown on the original letter will not be valid. Please make a note of the date you requested your new verification code so you only attempt to enter the most recent code.

A secret PIN is a 5-digit code you can use instead of security questions to reset your password online.

Set up a secret PIN by going to the RealMe home page and clicking 'Log in'. Log in and click the "Settings" tab, then from the menu select “Add secret PIN”.

Your PIN number must be 5 digits, and you cannot have three of the same number or more than three consecutive numbers.

Whenever you log in to a service that requires a bit more security, we’ll ask you for “second-factor authentication”. Linking an Authenticator app to your RealMe account is one way to provide that extra security.

Tip: Authenticator apps are great if you’re overseas and can’t receive text codes.

Setting up second factor authentication

The first time you log in to a service that requires additional security, we’ll prompt you to set up second-factor authentication either by text or through your Authenticator App. (If you don't have a mobile phone you can download any Time-based One Time Password (TOTP) compatible desktop application or browser extension).

To use an Authenticator app, complete the following steps:

• Ensure you have an Authenticator App installed on your device.
• Open your Authenticator App and click the ‘plus’ icon to add a new code, then:
• Choose to ‘Scan a QR code’
• Scan the RealMe QR code
• Enter the 6-digit code displayed on your Authenticator App into the RealMe ‘Confirmation Code’ field then click the ‘Confirm Code’ button.

Tip: If you do not have an Authenticator App installed on your device, you can download one. We recommend Google Authenticator available from either App Store (Apple) or Play Store (Android).

You can now use your Authenticator App to log in to a service that requires additional security when prompted for “second-factor authentication” - just open your Authenticator app and enter the code displayed for RealMe.

I can’t scan the QR code, what can I do?

Try clicking the link provided on screen under the QR code “Unable to scan the QR code? Click here."

Alternatively, you can set up your registration manually. Open your Authenticator App and click the ‘plus’ icon to add a new code, then for:

Google Authenticator

• Choose to ‘Enter a setup key’ and enter the following details:

Account name: RealMe

Your key: Enter the key displayed on screen

Type of key: Time based

• Click ‘Add’.

I tried to use the on-screen link but it’s not working for me.

You must have an Authenticator App installed on your device for the link to work.

If you are using an Apple device, the built in Apple Password Manager may launch. If this happens, set up your registration manually as detailed in the section above.

I already have TEXT “two factor authentication” can I add an Authenticator App?

Yes, you can, simply follow the steps below.

• Ensure you have an Authenticator App installed on your device. If you do not have one installed on your device, you can download one. Authenticator apps are free to use. We recommend Google Authenticator available from either App Store (Apple) or Play Store (Android).
• Go to the RealMe home page and log in.
• Click the Settings tab.
• From the menu, select ‘Change your Authenticator App’.
• Open your Authenticator App and click the ‘plus’ icon to add a new code, then for:

Google Authenticator, choose to ‘Scan a QR code’

• Scan the RealMe QR code.
• Enter the 6-digit code displayed on your Authenticator App into the RealMe ‘Confirmation Code’ field then click the ‘Save changes’ button at the top right hand side of the screen.

You can now use either your Authenticator App or TEXT to log in to a service that requires additional security when prompted for “second-factor authentication” - just open your Authenticator app and enter the code displayed for RealMe.