Government user

Become a Document Verification Service government user

A government user is an Australian or New Zealand government organisation connected to the Document Verification Service (DVS) directly or through a gateway service provider. 

Note: New Zealand government organisations must submit a business user application and connect through a gateway service provider.

Examples of government users

Examples of government organisations that might use the Document Verification Service include:

  • local authorities (such as a city council)
  • state authorities (such as a road transport authority)
  • federal authorities (such as a law enforcement agency).

The Australian Business Number lookup tool is a good place to start if you are unsure about your organisation's status.

Get connected

For an explanation on the process for government organisations connecting to the Document Verification Service, you may wish to read the below fact sheet:

Document Verification Service connection

‘Competitive neutrality’  requires that government business activities should not enjoy net competitive advantages over their private sector competitors simply by virtue of public sector ownership. Competitive neutrality maintains a level playing field between public and private businesses. Your competitive neutrality status determines how you connect to the Document Verification Service.

Government users subject to competitive neutrality can only connect through a gateway service provider.

Government users that are not subject to competitive neutrality can set up a direct connection to the Document Verification Service or they can choose to connect through a gateway service provider.

To help you make an assertion on competitive neutrality in your application, it’s important that you read the Policy on government and private sector charging for the DVS.

Government user application times

It usually takes:

  • 1 to 2 weeks for us to review and approve your application
  • 1 to 2 weeks to set up an indirect connection through a gateway service provider
  • 3 to 6 months to set up a direct connection.  

Gateway service provider application costs

Gateway service provider connection

We charge gateway service providers on annual transaction volumes. If you are a government user that is not subject to competitive neutrality, the Attorney-General’s Department do not charge the gateway service provider for your transactions.

Your gateway service provider charges you.

Direct connection

There is a one-off connection fee for government users connecting directly to the Document Verification Service.

You can contact us to discuss your payment options. 

How to apply to be a Document Verification Service government user

Follow the steps below for a connection through a gateway service provider.

Choose a gateway service provider and enter into an agreement with them. 

We cannot recommend a gateway service provider to you. But you can contact us if you want help.

Complete the Government user application form and submit it to the DVS Manager.

We will send you an agreement after we approve your application.

Sign and then return the agreement to us.

After this, we will contact your gateway service provider to set up your connection.

Follow the steps below for a direct connection.

Complete the Government user application form and submit it to the DVS Manager.

We will send you an agreement after we approve your application.

Sign and then return the agreement to us.

After this, we will contact your gateway service provider to set up your connection.

We will contact you within one week to discuss your connection. We will most likely set up a teleconference with you.

You should have a formal application decision in 1 to 2 weeks.

Contact us if you have any questions about applying to be a government user or need help filling out your application form.

Contact us