Use this process to apply for an IRD number if you either:
- live in New Zealand and are a New Zealand citizen
- are not a 'new arrival' to New Zealand, as advised by Immigration NZ.
Apply online and then go to an AA driver licensing agent
Use the following steps to help you get all of your documents ready to apply online.
Once you've applied, make sure you take your identification documents to an AA driver licensing agent. They need to verify your identity before we can give you an IRD number. You can use the link in step 5 to find the agent closest to you.
Gather your identification documents
You'll need 1 of these:
- New Zealand (NZ) passport
- overseas passport with an NZ residence visa granted by Immigration NZ
- full NZ birth certificate issued after 1 January 1998
- NZ citizenship certificate
- NZ firearm or dealer licence
- NZ certificate of identity from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) or the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
- NZ refugee travel document
- NZ emergency travel document.
You'll also need 1 of these:
- New Zealand (NZ) driver licence
- overseas driver licence
- NZ 18+ card
- Kiwi Access Card - replaces the HANZ 18+ card
- HANZ 18+ card - existing cards are valid until their expiry dates
- NZ student photo ID
- International Driving Permit
- a letter confirming registration as a student in NZ
- an offer letter from your employer, including the employment contract.
If you’ve changed your name, you'll need a document proving your name change. This can be either a:
- marriage or civil union certificate
- name change certificate.
If applying for your child's IRD number
As well as the documents you have already gathered for yourself, you will need an identification (ID) document for your child. You will need 1 of the following:
- New Zealand (NZ) passport
- full NZ birth certificate issued after 1 January 1998
- NZ citizenship certificate
- NZ student photo ID.
If your documents do not show your relationship with your child, you’ll also need a document such as:
- adoption papers
- parenting orders
- guardianship orders
- Statutory declaration IR595D form.
Scan your documents
Make sure you've made electronic versions of the ID documents you've chosen. You need to upload them during the online application.
For passports, you only need to scan the pages showing your photo and names.
Get certified translations for documents not in English
If your identification documents are not in English, you must get them translated into English by an approved translator. Your translation will need to be certified.
Waka Kotahi - New Zealand Transport Agency has a full list of approved translators or you can use the Translation Service.
Approved translators (Waka Kotahi - New Zealand Transport Agency)
Translating documents into English (govt.nz information for the Translation Service)
Get your documents verified
Once you've applied online, take your original, physical identification (ID) documents to an AA driver licensing agent for verification.
Locations (AA driver licensing agents)
Apply online
What happens next
Once the AA driver licensing agent has verified your documents, you'll get your IRD number by text or email within 10 working days, or 2 working days if your application is urgent.
My responsibilities
- Keep your IRD number where you can easily find it. You'll need it for tax-related events in your life.
- You can start using myIR once you get your IRD number.
- Tell us about any changes. The easiest way to update your details is in myIR.
If you do not have enough of the identification documents listed above, give us a call to find out your options:
Otherwise, you can complete a paper application and take it to an AA driver licensing agent or PostShop to verify your documents.
Individual IRD number applications (AA)
You can also get an IRD number for your baby when you register the birth at SmartStart.
Register your baby (SmartStart)
If you're doing everything by paper, you'll need to know the following.
- New Zealand citizens, resident-visa holders and Australian citizens use IR595.
- If you have another type of visa or you're an offshore person, use IR742.
- Once approved, you'll be sent your IRD number within 12 working days by post.
