When you apply for each stage of your licence, licence class, licence endorsement, or when you renew your licence, you will need to present evidence of your identity.
The reason you need to present identification is so Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency can prevent people from getting a driver licence fraudulently.
Only certain kinds of identification can be used for driver licensing purposes.
When making an application, you must present:
All documents must be originals. Photocopied or scanned documents are not acceptable.
Primary documents |
New Zealand passport* |
Overseas passport* |
New Zealand emergency travel document |
New Zealand refugee travel document |
New Zealand certificate of identity (issued under the Passports Act 1992) |
New Zealand certificate of identity (issued under the Immigration Act 1987) |
New Zealand firearms licence* |
New Zealand full birth certificate issued on or after 1 January 1998 |
New Zealand citizenship certificate |
*these documents can be current or expired up to two years. All other documents must be current.
Supporting documents |
18+ card or Kiwi Access card |
Community services card |
SuperGold card |
Veteran SuperGold card |
New Zealand student photo ID card |
New Zealand employee photo ID card |
New Zealand electoral roll record |
Inland Revenue number |
New Zealand-issued utility bill or bank statement* |
Overseas driver licence |
Steps to freedom form |
*These documents must be issued within the last six months. They must show your first name (or initials) and last name, and the issuer (utility company or bank). They don’t need to show any transaction details. All other documents in this table must be current.
If neither document contains a photo, you must also provide a passport-style photograph signed by an identity referee.
If the name you want on your driver licence is different from the name on the driver licence register, or on either of your two forms of identification, you will need to provide one of the following documents (which must be an original) as proof of your name change. Suitable documents are:
Driver licensing agentsFor many driver licensing services, you will need to visit a driver licensing agent. Driver licensing agents include participating offices of: To find your local branch:
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You need to prove that your eyesight meets the required standard each time you apply:
To do this, you can:
The certificate must be issued by a New Zealand registered optometrist or health practitioner (for example your doctor (GP), a registered nurse or nurse practitioner, or a specialist if appropriate).
Note: eyesight screening machines at driver licensing agents eliminate the need for many drivers to be tested by an optometrist or medical practitioner. However, if you don’t pass this screening check, then you must provide one of the above certificates before your licence can be issued. Some drivers choose to provide a certificate instead of undertaking a screening check. If you have sight in only one eye, or have only one eye (monocular vision) you must present an eyesight certificate from an optometrist or health practitioner.
To ensure all drivers on our roads are medically fit to drive, the driver licence application form contains a medical declaration.
Every applicant has to complete this declaration.
The declaration asks you to declare these types of medical condition:
When you fill out your driver licence application form, you’ll be asked the following question: ‘Would you be willing to donate organs in the event of your death?’
Waka Kotahi can’t produce a driver licence card for you until you have ticked either ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.
By ticking the ‘Yes’ box and signing the form, you are indicating your wish to be identified as an organ and tissue donor and have the word ‘DONOR’ printed on your driver licence. It’s also included on your record on the driver licence database.
In the event of your death, your family may be asked for their agreement before organs or tissue are removed for donation. That’s why it is very important to discuss your decision with your family.
It’s a good idea to think about organ donation before you go to the driver licensing agent.
If you would like more information about organ and tissue donation, contact Organ Donation New Zealand:
You need to present a medical certificate if you:
A medical certificate for driver licensing purposes must:
The cost of a medical certificate will vary between health practitioners. You are responsible for meeting these costs. Ask for a Waka Kotahi Transport Agency Medical certificate for driver licence (your health practitioner will have copies).