The Australian Government has introduced a major reform to improve how individuals access and use proof of their citizenship, with digital evidence of Australian citizenship now formally recognised from 5 December 2025 under the Regulatory Reform Omnibus Act 2025. This shift moves away from a paper-only system and provides a secure and flexible option for people who need to demonstrate their citizenship when completing important tasks.
Citizenship evidence continues to play a critical role in everyday life, including passport applications, school enrolments, identity verification and access to government services. Reliable documentation helps ensure that personal records are recognised across different systems and reduces delays during verification processes.
Commencement and key features of the reform
The new framework supports the Government’s objective to modernise identity services and streamline how citizenship information is managed. Digital citizenship evidence is now recognised alongside the physical certificate, giving individuals more flexibility in how they present proof of citizenship.
The reform also updates the processes for issuing, correcting and replacing citizenship evidence. It introduces clearer requirements for handling physical certificates and expands online lodgement options for adults and children. These improvements create a more consistent and efficient system for individuals and organisations that rely on accurate citizenship records.
Digital and physical evidence of citizenship
Under the updated system, evidence of Australian citizenship can be issued in digital or physical form:
- A digital notice of evidence of citizenship is a secure electronic record and does not need to be returned if citizenship is cancelled or revoked.
- A physical certificate remains available as a printed document and must be returned to the Department of Home Affairs if a person’s citizenship ends.
This dual approach allows individuals to choose the format that best meets their needs.
Applications, updates and corrections
Applying for evidence of citizenship
Individuals may need to request new or replacement citizenship evidence in various situations. The updated framework supports simpler and more accessible lodgement processes, including:
- Applications for children under 16 can be submitted online by a responsible parent.
- Each applicant must submit a separate form, as children cannot be included in an adult’s application.
Updating or correcting citizenship evidence
Updates or corrections may be required when personal details change or when information on a certificate needs to be amended. Key points include:
- A physical certificate may need to be returned before a new version can be issued, such as when a name has changed.
- If the Department made an error on a certificate, the individual should notify the Department as soon as possible.
- Corrections must follow the steps outlined under Change a citizenship certificate.
Processing times and causes of delay
Processing times vary depending on the information submitted. Delays may occur when additional verification is required or when documents are incomplete.
Applications are more likely to be delayed when:
- Required documents are missing
- Information is incomplete or inconsistent
- The incorrect fee is paid
- Further identity checks are needed
The Department cannot process an application without the correct fee, and there is no age restriction for applying for evidence of citizenship.
Impact of the reform
The introduction of digital citizenship evidence provides individuals with a secure and flexible way to prove their citizenship across education, employment and government processes. The reform modernises existing arrangements by offering both digital and physical formats, supported by updated requirements and more accessible online lodgement options.
International context and what this reform means for Australia
Digital citizenship evidence is not new globally. Canada issues an official electronic citizenship certificate that individuals can download and present for passports and government services. Several countries with advanced digital identity systems also show how secure digital documentation can operate at scale, even though most still issue physical citizenship certificates. These examples provide useful insight into how digital formats work in practice.
What people in those countries are experiencing
Reported benefits include:
- Faster access to citizenship documents
- Reduced risk of lost or damaged certificates
- Quicker verification through digital records
- Greater convenience for urgent applications
Some early challenges include:
- Uncertainty about when digital certificates become available
- Questions about acceptance in settings that rely on paper documents
- Digital literacy barriers for individuals unfamiliar with online systems
These insights help set expectations for Australians as similar digital options are introduced.
Security considerations observed overseas
Key security themes include:
- Strong encryption and secure data storage
- Protection against cyber attacks
- Reliable login and identity verification processes
- Awareness of genuine government platforms
Countries manage these risks through strong authentication and strict privacy frameworks, showing that digital formats are secure when supported by proper safeguards. This highlights the importance of using official channels and becoming familiar with Australia’s new digital processes as the system transitions to digital evidence.
How Absolute Immigration can support you
The introduction of digital citizenship evidence adds new steps for individuals updating, replacing or requesting proof of their citizenship. Absolute Immigration can help you understand how the digital format applies to your circumstances, identify which documents you need and prepare an accurate application.
Our team provides practical, reliable guidance to help you avoid delays and meet current Department of Home Affairs requirements. As citizenship processes continue to modernise, we are here to support you with clear and informed advice.
Get in touch
For tailored support with citizenship evidence or related applications, contact our team at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com.
