National Archives of Australia
Registering as a researcher
You must register as a researcher if you intend on visiting any of our reading rooms to view original records.
When you visit a reading room for the first time, you will need to bring identification with you so we can verify your identity and provide you with a reader card.
Acceptable forms of identification include either:
one form of identification that shows your photo, full name, current address and signature - such as a driver's licence.
OR
two forms of identification: one must show your full name and current address and one must show your signature – such as a passport, proof of age card, Medicare card, pension/seniors card, credit card, bank account statement, utility or telephone account.
For researchers visiting from overseas a valid passport will be considered an acceptable form of identification.
Please note: we do not make copies of, or record the details of, the identification documentation you show us.
Once your identity has been verified, a reader card will be issued to you and you will be asked to sign the card. You will be required to present your reader card when visiting a reading room and each time original records are issued to you.
A reader card is valid for three years from the date of issue, and can be used in any National Archives reading room.
Why you must provide proof of identity
We ask to see proof of identity before issuing a reader card so we can track the issue of records to researchers in our reading rooms, and to ensure we have your current contact details.
