Document Verification Service (DVS)
The federal system used to verify identity documents against the issuing agency.
The Document Verification Service (DVS) is a secure national system run by the Australian Government that checks whether an identity document is valid by matching it against the agency that issued it. It confirms that a document such as a driver licence, passport or Medicare card exists and matches the details presented, without storing the document itself.
DVS underpins many screening and onboarding processes in care, because most clearances start with proving who you are. Identity that is verified through DVS is checked against an authoritative source, which is a stronger result than someone simply eyeballing a photocopy of the document.
For workers, this usually happens behind the scenes when you complete identity verification as part of a screening application or onboarding. For providers, DVS-backed verification gives confidence that the identity behind a clearance is genuine, which matters when the same person needs to be matched to a National Police Check or worker screening result. See the documents to start working in care guide for what you will typically need to have on hand.
This is general information, not compliance advice. Always confirm requirements with the relevant regulator, and remember that providers keep the legal responsibility to sight credentials and decide who can work.
We work hard to keep it accurate, but the rules change and we will not always get every detail right. If you think something here needs updating, email us at resources@koora.care. We would genuinely rather know, because we all do better when we help each other get it right.
Documents you need to start working in care
A cross-sector checklist of the documents and checks you need before your first shift in Aged Care, disability or childcare, and why screening is the bottleneck.
Read guideAll sectorsCare sector worker screening and compliance in Australia: the 2026 guide
A plain-English overview of worker screening and credential compliance across Aged Care, disability and childcare in Australia, and how the rules differ by sector.
Read guide