What is a RealMe verified identity?
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.
It's free to apply. Many people can complete the application online, but if you can't, you'll need to visit a RealMe partner store to show your documents and have your photo taken.
RealMe verified identities are valid for 10 years.
Verifying your address
Some services also need your address to be verified. If your address isn't verified in your RealMe account, that service may ask you to confirm it another way.
Before you apply
Before you apply for a verified identity, check 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.
How to apply
To apply for a RealMe verified identity, you need a RealMe login. If you do not already have one, you can create one before you start.
1. Tell us who you are
You'll enter the details from one of the following:
- NZ passport (you can use an expired passport)
- NZ birth certificate
- NZ citizenship certificate
- NZ immigration record.
2. Take a photo
Your photo plays a crucial role in proving that you are who you say you are.
You can complete the online identity check using your device, or have your photo taken at a RealMe partner store.
Tips for taking your photo online
3. Provide an identity referee, if required
We may need you to provide an identity referee who can confirm that you are who you say you are.
The referee must:
- be aged 16 or over
- have known you for more than 1 year
- have a current or expired NZ passport
- agree to be your referee (we may contact them)
- be available if we call or email them to verify details about your application – this will help avoid delays.
The referee cannot:
- be part of your immediate or extended family (this includes cousins, in-laws and ex-spouses)
- live at the same address as you.
You need to provide the referee's:
- most recent passport number
- full name
- phone number
- date of birth
- home address
- email address.
4. Submit your application
We'll send you an email to confirm next steps, including a list of documents to bring if you need to visit a RealMe partner store.
Once you've submitted your application, processing takes up to 5 business days. We'll contact you if we need more information.
Applicants aged 13 years and under
If you're aged 13 years or under, you may not need a verified identity. Most services you can access at this age do not require you to have your own RealMe account.
If a service does require a verified identity, in most cases a parent or legal guardian must apply on your behalf using their own RealMe account.
If you still want to apply, your parent or legal guardian must give consent. After you complete the online part of your application, print the consent form and ask your parent or legal guardian to fill it in.
When you visit a RealMe partner store to have your photo taken, bring the completed consent form and any other documents you've been asked to bring (these may be listed on the consent form and in the email we send after you apply).
Declaration of consent form for a RealMe application [PDF 363KB]