How to apply for your verified identity

Overhead view of woman using laptop

  1. Click "Get verified".
  2. Log in and enter the six digit security code from your device.
  3. Select "verify your identity" and agree to the terms and conditions.
  4. From the four options, select your application type - your passport,  citizenship certificate, immigration document or birth details.
  5. After providing your identity information, submit your application.
  6. Your application number will be presented on screen and sent to you in an email and text. The email will list any other documents you need to take with you to the photo store.
    NOTE: If you applied using your NZ passport or citizenship certificate you will be presented with an option to take your own photo using the camera on your phone, laptop, tablet or desktop.  It allows you to take your photo and skip needing to visit a photo store (Step 7).  For more information about taking your own photo go here.
  7. Take your application number (and if required, other documents for scanning) to a participating photo store within 14 days to get yourfreephoto taken.
  8. Your photo will be sent to Internal Affairs where your details are checked against official records.
  9. You'll be contacted within five working days to confirm if your identity is verified.

Apply now

If you're under 14

Your parent or legal guardian needs to sign a consent form and come with you to the photo store when you get your photo taken.

Download the consent form

Good to know

  • You can get your RealMe verified identity when you renew your passport (in New Zealand or overseas). For more information, visit the passports page.
  • If you are overseas you can apply using your NZ passport or citizenship certificate and take your own photo as part of the process.
  • Your photo can be viewed in the "Your identity" section of your RealMe dashboard.
  • Not sure if you're already verified? Look for a green tick next to "Your identity" in your RealMe dashboard.

How to apply for your verified address

  1. Click on "Get verified" in the top right hand corner of this page. Login and enter the six digit security code from your device.
  2. In "Your address" click "Confirm my address". Agree to share your information.
  3. Enter your personal information and then click "Continue".
  4. The system will attempt to match your details to trusted online data sources. If a match is made your address will be verified immediately.
  5. Check your details are correct, accept the terms of use and click "verify your address".
  6. If no match is made, NZ Post will mail a verification code to the address you selected. This will take five to seven days to arrive.
  7. When your code arrives go to the RealMe website and log into your RealMe verified address. Enter your code in the space provided.
Managing your RealMe verified address

To update your verified address details follow these steps:

  1. Click the "Get verified" button at the top of this page and log in.
  2. Under the "Your address" section, select "Update your address". You'll be transferred to the New Zealand Post address verification service.
  3. Follow steps 3 to 7 as above to enter your new address details.