Before initiating a request, review information on the Personal information requests page to understand the types of personal information and who can submit a request.
Be aware of the following:
- All required identity documents must be certified. Uncertified documents will not be accepted and will delay processing.
- Uploaded files should be clear, complete and legible.
- Eulogy requests are only accepted from RSLs, funeral homes and similar associations.
Certify identification documents
Follow the guidance provided below to certify copies of identification documents.
- Make a copy of the original document.
- Take the original document and the copy to a person who is authorised to certify identification documents.
- The person will check that the copy is the same as the original.
- On a single-page document, the certifier must write or stamp, 'This is a certified true copy of the original as sighted by me'
- On documents with more than 1 page, the certifier must write or stamp 'I certify this and the following [number of pages] pages to be a true copy of the original as sighted by me' on the first page and initials on all other pages.
- The certifier must also write or stamp on the copy:
- their signature
- their full name
- their occupation
- their phone number
- the date
- their address (optional).
Note: a list of authorised persons who can certify identification documents is listed on the Department of Home Affairs – Applying online or paper page.
Preparing a request to submit
Submitting a request on behalf of yourself:
- 1 certified photo identification document
- 1 certified secondary identification document.
Submitting a request on behalf of a current or ex member:
- 1 certified photo identification document of the current or former member
- 1 certified secondary identification document of the current or former member
- Prepare a document for them to sign with the wording "I [name] residing at [address] consent to allow my Defence information to be released to [name] via [address]. By signing this document I authorise Defence to disclose the information identified in the online application made via https://www.defence.gov.au on [date]." followed by the current or ex member's handwritten signature and date.
Submitting a request for a deceased member's information:
- Proof of the member's death.
- Proof of relationship to the deceased member. Information can only be provided to a direct Next of Kin.
Note: additional documents may be requested depending on the information required.