Evidence Number: Your Australian Citizenship Certificate's Identity

what is evidence number on australian citizenship certificate

The Evidence Number, also known as the Evidence ID, is an 11-digit number located on the bottom left corner of the front side of an Australian citizenship certificate. It always starts with a 0. The Evidence Number is different from the stock number, which is found on the back of the certificate, and the citizenship certificate number, which is located under the registry seal. These numbers are used for identity verification purposes and are required when applying for an Australian passport.

Characteristics Values
Name Evidence Number or Evidence ID
Description An 11-digit number with a 0 at the front
Location Bottom left corner on the front of the citizenship certificate
Other Details Older certificates may have the Evidence Number in a different format or location

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Evidence ID location on the certificate

The Evidence ID on an Australian citizenship certificate is located in the bottom left-hand corner on the front of the certificate. It is placed after the words "Evidence No:" or simply "No." The Evidence ID is 11 digits in length, always starting with a zero. For example, a valid Evidence ID could be 012345678901.

It is important to note that older certificates may have the Evidence ID in a different format, such as an alphanumeric code like PA12345678N. In such cases, the ID is not verifiable through the DVS (Document Verification Service).

The Evidence ID should not be confused with the stock number, which can be found at the top of the back of the citizenship certificate. On older certificates, the stock number may be located in the bottom left-hand corner, similar to the Evidence ID. Examples of stock numbers include ACC 123456, CDM 1234, ACS 1234, and CAS1234.

When providing your Australian citizenship certificate for various purposes, such as applying for a passport, it is essential to know the specific details of the certificate, including the Evidence ID and stock number.

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Stock number location on the certificate

The stock number on an Australian citizenship certificate is located at the top on the back of the certificate. For older certificates, the stock number can be found in the bottom left-hand corner on the back. Stock numbers are always longer than 4 digits and include letters and numbers. Examples of stock numbers include "ACC 123456", "CDM 1234", "ACS 1234", and "CAS1234".

When using the stock number to verify your identity, enter the stock number without any dots, brackets, or the word "No." before it. All stock numbers must be longer than 4 digits, and the family name, given name, and date of birth must match the information on file.

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What to do if you don't have your citizenship certificate

The evidence number on an Australian citizenship certificate is an 11-digit number located in the bottom left corner of the front of the certificate after the words "Evidence No:" or "No..".

If you don't have your Australian citizenship certificate, you can still apply for an Australian passport. In this case, you must provide your full name as it appears on your citizenship certificate on the passport application form. If you know your citizenship certificate number or your Home Affairs Client ID (CID) number, you should also provide this. If you don't have either of these numbers, you will have to complete a paper form.

If you were born in Australia before 20 August 1986, you only need to show your full birth certificate issued by an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. If you were born in Australia on or after 20 August 1986, you can prove your citizenship by providing:

  • An Australian citizenship certificate in your name
  • An Australian passport issued in your name on or after 1 January 2000 that was valid for at least two years
  • Your own full Australian birth certificate and your parent's full Australian birth certificate, provided that at least one of your parents was an Australian permanent resident or citizen when you were born
  • Your parent's Australian passport issued on or after 20 August 1986 that was valid for at least two years and issued before you were born
  • Your parent's Australian citizenship certificate that shows citizenship was acquired before you were born

If you identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and face challenges providing documents to prove your citizenship, you can complete a B19 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander declaration and submit it with your passport application.

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What to do if your certificate doesn't verify with the DVS

The Document Verification Service (DVS) checks whether the information on your identity document matches the original record. If your Australian citizenship certificate does not verify with the DVS, there are a few potential reasons and solutions. Firstly, some citizenship certificates simply do not verify with the DVS, including declaratory judgements that are issued with or without a formal certificate. The Department of Home Affairs is currently addressing this issue.

Secondly, the DVS may not recognise older certificates that have an alpha-numeric ID located in the bottom left corner of the front of the citizenship certificate after the word "No.". In this case, you must use the stock number, which can be found at the top or bottom left corner on the back of the citizenship certificate. All stock numbers must be longer than four digits, and the family name, given name, and date of birth must match.

If you are still unable to verify your citizenship certificate with the DVS, there are alternative ways to prove your citizenship. If you were born in Australia before 20 August 1986, you only need to provide your full birth certificate issued by an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. If you were born in Australia on or after 20 August 1986, you can prove your citizenship by providing an Australian passport issued after 1 January 2000 that was valid for at least two years, or the Australian citizenship certificate of a grandparent that shows they acquired citizenship before your parent was born.

If you identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and face challenges providing documents to prove your citizenship, an alternative process is available. You can complete a B19 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander declaration and submit it with your passport application. The Australian Passport Office will verify the information provided in your B19 form to confirm your identity and proof of Australian citizenship.

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Other ways to prove Australian citizenship

The evidence number on an Australian citizenship certificate is important when it comes to verifying your citizenship status. Here are some other ways to prove Australian citizenship, particularly when applying for a passport:

Birth Certificate

If you were born in Australia before 20 August 1986, you can prove your citizenship by providing your full birth certificate issued by an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. If you were born after this date and one of your parents was an Australian permanent resident or citizen, you can provide your full birth certificate along with one of the following:

  • Your parent's full birth certificate showing they were born in Australia before 20 August 1986.
  • Your parent's Australian passport, valid for at least two years and issued before your birth.
  • Your parent's Australian citizenship certificate, acquired before your birth.

Citizenship Certificate

If you have an Australian citizenship certificate, this can be used as proof of citizenship. This certificate should show your gender and place of birth. If you do not have the physical certificate, providing the certificate number or your Home Affairs Client ID (CID) number can also suffice.

Foreign Passport or Official Document

If you are an adult applicant, you can provide a foreign passport or other official documents that show your gender and place of birth.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Declaration

If you identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, you do not need to apply for a citizenship certificate. Instead, you can complete a B19 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander declaration to submit with your passport application.

Other Scenarios

There are provisions for children born overseas to Australian parents, or children adopted by Australian parents, to be registered as Australian citizens. Additionally, children who live in Australia until their 10th birthday acquire Australian citizenship. Furthermore, prior to 1 September 1994, New Zealand citizens did not require a visa to remain in Australia.

It is important to note that the required documents may vary depending on your specific circumstances and the date of your birth or acquisition of citizenship.

Frequently asked questions

The evidence number is found on the bottom left corner on the front of the citizenship certificate after the words “Evidence No:” or “No.”. It is 11 digits in length, and always has a 0 at the beginning.

Some citizenship certificates do not verify with the DVS. This can include declaratory judgements that are issued with or without a formal certificate. The acquisition date is the date Australian citizenship was acquired. You must use the stock number, which can be found at the top of the back of the citizenship certificate.

The stock number is found on the top at the back of the citizenship certificate. On some older certificates, it is located in the bottom left-hand corner. Stock numbers must be longer than 4 digits.

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