11 February 2008
IRD numbers available at NZ Post and AA
From next Monday, people will be able to apply for a personal IRD number at hundreds of AA Centres and PostShops around
New Zealand.
"Our new service will be offered in more than 400 outlets throughout the country," said Deputy Commissioner Service
Delivery, Carolyn Tremain. "We are keen to make it as easy as possible for people to deal with us.''
Applicants will just need to bring two specified forms of identification, plus photocopies, to any Automobile
Association (AA) Driver Licensing Agent, any Postshop, or selected New Zealand Post retail outlet.
At least one of the identity documents must contain a photo, and both must be original documents. They could include
passports, birth certificates, driver licences or an 18-plus card. A full list of approved identity documents is
available on the Inland Revenue website.
The AA, PostShop or NZ Post agents will confirm the applicant's identity, and send photocopies of the identity documents
to Inland Revenue, who will notify applicants of their number within 8-10 working days.
People applying for an IRD number for a baby or child under 16 will need to bring in an original birth certificate or
passport for the child, plus two identity documents for themselves. At least one of these documents must contain a photo
to prove the identity of the child's parent or guardian. Photocopies of all documents will also be needed.
"This new process will help to prevent identity theft and the fraudulent use of IRD numbers," Ms Tremain said. "It is in
line with the new All-of-Government Evidence of Identity (EOI) Standard.''
The Evidence of Identity Standard, developed by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), is a good practice guide for
establishing the identity of people seeking government services that have identity-related risk. Sue Boland, Acting
General Manager Identity Services for DIA, says the Standard helps agencies develop consistent processes designed to
prevent identity theft and fraud.
"By applying the standard, agencies can have greater confidence that an individual is actually who they claim to be,"
says Ms Boland.
"Inland Revenue is the first agency formally introducing the EOI Standard."
The new process does not affect people with existing IRD numbers, and does not apply to applications for an IRD number
for entities such as companies, trusts and partnerships.
More information will be available from Tuesday, 12 February, on the Inland Revenue website at www.ird.govt.nz
ENDS