Which Australian states support the federal digital ID and how to register?
Executive summary
As of the available reporting, Australia’s federal Digital ID system (the Australian Government Digital ID System, often accessed via myID/myGovID) is operational and has been opened for state and territory government services to join since late 2024; by December 2025 the system reported 15 million Digital IDs and use across hundreds of government services [1] [2]. The federal site and myGov describe how individuals create a Digital ID (verify at least two Australian identity documents such as driver’s licence, passport or birth certificate) and use the myID app to register and strengthen identity verification [3] [4].
1. Which states support the federal Digital ID — what the sources say
Federal policy documents and news from the Digital ID regulator state that, from 30 November 2024, state and territory government services were eligible to apply to join the Australian Government Digital ID System as relying services; the Digital ID Act opened the pathway for states and territories to participate [1]. Independent reporting and the national Digital ID progress updates note practical uptake: Digital iD credentials (including commercial solutions) and other state-issued digital credentials are increasingly accepted for in-person age checks in some jurisdictions (for example Keypass within Digital iD is accepted in Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland, the ACT and the Northern Territory for entry to participating licensed venues) — showing states are adopting or recognising digital identity tools in specific contexts [5]. Available sources do not list a definitive, state-by-state table showing every jurisdiction’s formal, current “support” status for the federal system as of December 2025; state participation is described as being enabled and underway rather than complete for all services [1] [2].
2. What “support” practically means — multiple viewpoints
“Support” can mean different things: legislative enablement (states can apply to be relying parties), operational connection (state services accepting federal Digital ID logins), or policy alignment (using the Document Verification Service and shared standards). The Department of Finance frames the system as voluntary and economy‑wide with states able to join as relying services from late 2024 [1] [6]. Media coverage emphasises broader impacts — for example age‑assurance codes under the Online Safety Act and industry standards may push platforms toward ID checks — implying states’ acceptance is only one part of an ecosystem shift [7]. Legal commentary highlights the Act’s role in expanding participation but also signals staged rollouts and future reforms to onboard more state and private-sector services [8] [1].
3. How an individual registers with the federal Digital ID (practical steps)
The government’s myID/myGov guidance says individuals create a Digital ID by downloading the myID (myGovID) app and verifying identity against government records; to reach a stronger verification level you must verify at least two Australian ID documents (driver’s licence, passport, Medicare card, birth certificate) and follow the app’s identity checks [3] [4]. The myID site gives granular instructions for specific document types (for example how to enter registration numbers for WA birth certificates) and explains the verification process checks data against existing government records [4]. The Department of Finance and Digital ID System pages explain the system is voluntary and designed to reduce the need for organisations to hold copies of identity documents [6] [2].
4. Scale, timelines and what to expect next
Federal progress reporting shows rapid growth: 15 million Digital IDs and 80 million ID‑verified transactions through the Australian Government Digital ID System by December 2025, and ongoing rule updates and consultations to improve redress and accreditation processes for state and private participants [2] [9]. The Digital ID Act set staged opening provisions — states/territories could apply from late 2024 and private entities were slated to apply by December 2026 — so wider adoption is anticipated but phased [1] [8].
5. Risks, public debates and competing perspectives
Coverage and commentary stress competing priorities: the government frames Digital ID as more secure and convenient and intended to limit organisations holding sensitive documents [6] [2], while independent outlets and privacy commentators warn of privacy trade‑offs, potential for centralisation of identity, and the need for safeguards around age verification and biometrics in online services [7] [10]. The Digital ID Rules consultations and updates show regulators are attempting to address fraud, incident redress and accreditation — indicating policymakers are responding to those concerns [9] [11].
Limitations: these sources describe national rules, uptake metrics and how to register via myID, but do not provide a single authoritative, up‑to‑the‑minute list naming each state government service that currently accepts federal Digital ID for all transactions. For specific services in a particular state, consult that state’s service pages or the Digital ID System relying‑party lists referenced by the Department of Finance [1] [6].