Apply for your Maritime Security Identification Card

ClientView aims to process complete, correct MSIC applications promptly, but overall timeframes depend on verification and AusCheck background checks.

Factors that influence timing:

• How quickly your identity and operational need documents can be verified.
• Whether the application information is complete or needs clarification.
• The time taken by AusCheck to complete background checking.
• Printing and delivery time once the application is approved.

Submitting accurate documents early and responding quickly to any queries will help your card be approved as fast as possible.

ClientView supports applicants who find online forms difficult by offering clear guidance, phone assistance and practical alternatives for providing documents.

Support options

• Step by step instructions and FAQs in plain language.
• Telephone or email support to talk through each stage of the process.
• Practical help with scanning or photographing documents where needed.
• Working with employers or administrators to provide additional assistance on site.

The aim is to ensure that genuine applicants are not held back simply because they are less confident with technology.

To apply you must:

(1) have 'operational need' (r. 6.07A(1)(c));

(2) provide identity documents (r. 6.08BB);

(3) pass the AusCheck background and security checks (r. 6.08BG, r. 6.08C); and

(4) if not a citizen, prove the right to work in Australia (r. 6.07A(1A)).

There is no lower age limit. An issuing body may issue an MSIC to a person 'younger than 18' if the person satisfies the standard criteria in r. 6.08C(1)

(a)-(e): operational need:

• (a); identity verified
• (b); evidence of Australian citizenship
• (c)(i) or a visa that entitles the person to work in Australia
• (c)(ii) or Australian-registered-ship crew status (c)(iii)
• favourable security and criminal-history outcomes (d)-(e) .

For applicants under 14 at the time of application, the application must:

• Obtain written consent from a parent or guardian authorising all MSIC-issuance steps (r. 6.08C(4)(b))
• ' A minor's MSIC must expire at the earlier of: (i) six months after the holder's 18th birthday or (ii) two years after the month in which their background check was completed (r. 6.08I(2)(a))

Non-citizens can apply if they meet the following requirements: 

• overseas workers on a visa
• must provide evidence of entitlement to work in Australia (r. 6.07A(1A)). Acceptable evidence includes a visa with work rights.
• All other requirements apply:
  
  • proof of operational need
  • identity
  • and security/background checks (r. 6.07A(1); r. 6.07B; r. 6.08BB).

The MSIC will not be valid beyond the visa's expiry date (r. 6.08I(2)(b))

You must provide:

• One document from Category A
• One different document from Category B
• One different document from Category C
• And if none of those show your current residential address, one from Category D

Category A — Proof of Start of Identity in Australia

Provide ONE of the following:

• Australian birth certificate
• Australian Citizenship Certificate or naturalisation certificate
• ImmiCard (for eligible visa holders)
• Australian visa with evidence of right to remain in Australia

Category B — Photographic Proof of Identity and Signature

Provide ONE of the following, different from Category A:

• Current, valid Australian or foreign passport
• Current, valid Australian driver’s licence
• Proof of age card (issued by a government authority)
• Other government-issued photo identification (must include signature)

Category C — Evidence of Use of Identity in the Community

Provide ONE of the following, different from A and B:

• Medicare card
• Private health insurance card
• Centrelink card
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs card
• Tertiary student card
• Seniors card
• Membership card issued by a registered club

Category D — Current Proof of Residential Address

Provide ONE of the following if your address is not shown on your other documents. Documents must be less than 6 months old:

• Utility bill (electricity, gas, water, phone, etc.)
• Council rates notice
• Recent bank statement
• Government correspondence showing your name and address
• Tenancy agreement or rent receipt

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You do not need an Australian passport. Other Category A documents include: 

• a birth certificate
• ImmiCard
• or visa documents

All of the above may be used to establish identity. (See r. 6.08BB(2)(a)(i))

You may apply for an MSIC if you hold a visa that entitles you to work in Australia

Details

• Your MSIC will expire when your visa does. (See r. 6.08C(1)(c)(ii), r. 6.08I(2)(b))

Regulation 6.08BB(2)(a) specifies the exact documentation requirements for MSIC applications: Category A identification document (defined in Regulation 6.07B(1)): For Australian-born persons: Australian birth certificate or notice under section 37 of the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 For others: Valid document providing evidence of the start of identity in Australia (e.g., naturalization certificate, visa, movement record) Category B identification document that is different from Category A: Current and valid document with photo and signature issued by government Examples

Details

• driver's licenses or passports (Australian or foreign) Category C identification document different from both A and B: Current valid document showing use of identity in the community Examples include Medicare cards or private health insurance cards Category D identification document (if residential address not shown in other documents): Valid document showing current residential address
• less than 6 months old Example: utilities notice All documents must be provided in person as originals (Regulation 6.08BB(2)(a))
• and the issuing body must verify identity at the time of document submission (Regulation 6.08BB(4)). If documents are not in English
• Regulation 6.07HA requires an accurate translation

AusCheck conducts four mandatory background checks:

1) Criminal history check through CrimTrac covering all Australian jurisdictions;

2) ASIO security assessment for terrorism and national security concerns;

3) Immigration status verification confirming right to work;

4) Politically motivated violence assessment. These checks examine your past 10 years (or from age 16 if younger than 26).

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You must declare ALL criminal history including:

• spent convictions
• charges
• and court appearances. Non-disclosure of any criminal history
• even minor offences
• can result in automatic rejection for providing false information