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Important - Shock Announcemment! From 1 July 2026 you can expect the price of an Aviation Security Identification Card to double! This will apply to all aviation and maritime issuing bodies. Reason - the Department of Home Affairs (AusCheck) is tripling the fee it charges to undertake the background checks. This is our biggest cost and has been implemented without consultation and with very little lead time. We will officially announce our new price soon, but for the purpose of budgeting you should expect our new price to be to be $480 (currently $240). Further information is below.
How long does it take?: We are achieving 98% of background checks completed within 15 days, although AusCheck (government) suggests to allow 6 weeks.
Self-Reporting: As an ASIC holder, you have an obligation to self-report convictions for all court offences to your issuing body or directly to AusCheck. This information must be provided in writing within 7 days of the conviction. Failure to provide this information is a criminal offence and could result in prosecution with fines of up to AUD 9,000. This form can be used by ASIC holders to self-report.
Price Increase 1 July 2026
AusCheck statement for background checking price update: AusCheck is the Australian Government’s background checking service. AusCheck provides background checking for aviation and maritime security identification cards and other programs and events. From 1 July 2026, the government will introduce full recovery of AusCheck’s operational expenses, including checking services provided by other Commonwealth entities. Therefore, AusCheck is updating the pricing for its background checking services. The updated prices reflect AusCheck’s current operational costs.
Issuing Body costs: The background checking fee we must pay to AusCheck for your clearance (criminal screening and national security check) is our biggest cost. It is increasing so much that it exceeds the price we charge for the full ASIC service. Since our last price increase a few years ago other costs have increased by more than CPI (e.g. AusPost, printing, rent, etc.) but nothing like the government fee.
Our new price: From 22 June 2026 our new price is expected to be $480 all inclusive (we are still reviewing it). The only addition will be the fee payable directly to Australia Post for those applicants who use the AusPost service for in-person identity verification. Why 22 June? - AusCheck cannot guarantee applications submitted in the last week of June will meet the 30 June cut-off. However, for credit account customers we will invoice according to when the application is accepted by AusCheck. For applications that are incomplete (e.g. ID documents pending, credit card payment pending) the new price will apply.
Compliments, Complaints and Feedback: You might feel like telling us, but the AusCheck cost increase has been implemented by the Australian Government without consultation and immediately the day after the Government Budget Announcement. You might want to compliment AusCheck on introducing their full cost recovery model, or you might have another comment to make.
To contact AusCheck: If you are an organisation that has received an AusCheck engagement email, please send comment to AusCheck.Engagements@homeaffairs.gov.au. If you are an individual you can contact AusCheck at AusCheck@homeaffairs.gov.au. Or phone 1800 287 243. The AusCheck website is AusCheck.gov.au.
Apply for security clearance to obtain your Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC)
AUS CARD - Australia-wide card red or grey - multiple airport card (two or more airports) for pilots, aircrew, contractors and others
REGIONAL CARD - red or grey single airport card (for use at one specified airport only)
MAJOR AIRPORT CARD - red or grey single airport card - only for approved employers at the major international airports. If you definitely require a card for one major airport only (and not more than one airport) and your employer is not yet approved, please contact us to seek pre-approval or contact the relevant airport.
WHITE CARD - for Known Consignors, AACA, RACA and Issuing Body Staff who do not need to enter secure areas at an airport.
JOB READY CARD - Not an ASIC and not associated with access. Provides evidence of an aviation security clearance. In some cases it can be re-issued as an ASIC when employment and operational need is confirmed. Also required for enrolment in Certificate II Transport Security Protection for Aviation Screening Officers (if you don't already have an ASIC).
Identity Verification Regulations
Categories of Identification Documents
A B C D ... you will need to provide at least 3 documents.
In-person verification by one of our trained agents with a security clearance.
See our How it Works page for more detail and examples of documents you can use.
Agents
Australia Post: When applying online you can choose Australia Post to conduct your in-person identity verification check and take your photo. Take your barcode receipt to a participating Australia Post outlet with your original identification documents. AusPost fee is $49.00, payable when you attend. Click here to search for participating Australia Post outlets. Alternatively, go to auspost.com.au > click on Tools > Find location & hours > Filter by service (More services) > select Identity & document services > select Maritime and Aviation Security ID Cards > enter your postcode in the search field.
Other Agents: We are expanding our Agent arrangements with airports, employers, flying schools, aero clubs and associations. The arrangement provides assurance to airport operators of robust identity checks, combined with the convenience of online processing and fast turnaround. Ask your employer or club if they are an agent. Or email or phone us for more information.
An agent arrangement allows an employer, flying school, aero club or association to conduct the in-person verification for their own members or the community, and not have to visit or pay a third party for the service. In conjunction with the online process, the application can be made from your office and the card delivered direct to you. Expressions of interest are also welcome from agents who might charge a fee for their service.
More about us
Security ID: the online name of our Australia-wide authorised Issuing Body for Aviation Security Identification Cards. We have been operating with online applications since 2008 to provide a value for money solution.
Price: $240 plus credit card fee if applicable, until 22 June 2026, then a price increase. We also include trackable e-parcel express post, a lanyard and plastic card holder. Additional $49.00 if attending AusPost for in-person identity verification and photo, until 30 June 2026, then a price increase.
Fast: We process applications fast, typically same day or next day. If you have provided the required documents, the next day your application will be with AusCheck (government) for the criminal and national security background checks.
AusCheck (government): Most applicants receive clearance promptly but please be aware that a few are taking longer than two weeks, so apply early if you can. How long will it take? Some are one day, most are within two weeks. Rare cases are longer. This is the government part of the process we do not control and it is difficult to get clearances expedited.
What is an ASIC? ID Card V Access Card
An ASIC is an IDENTIFICATION CARD. An ASIC is not an ACCESS CARD. Access is controlled by each individual airport. We provide ASICs only. Contact the airport if you also need an electronic access card.
An ASIC is used to identify a person who has been the subject of a background check. A red or grey ASIC is required to obtain unescorted access to the secure areas (including the airside) of security controlled airports that have regular public transport (RPT) services. ASICs are valid for up to two years.
Who needs an ASIC?
Applicants should check with their supervisor or airport operator to see if they need to hold and/or display an ASIC.
A person has an operational need to hold a red or grey ASIC if they have a requirement for frequent access to all or part of a secure area (including the airside) of a security controlled airport where persons are required to display an ASIC, and for the operation of the airport or an aircraft. A person involved in checking in passengers or handling baggage will need an ASIC.
Known Consignors who do not access secure areas at an airport may need a white ASIC to meet US air cargo security requirements.
Visitors who need to access the airside area or any landside security zone of an airport need to wear a Visitor Identification Card (VIC) and they must be supervised by a person displaying a valid ASIC. VICs are issued by the airport being visited.
Applicants must be cleared before an ASIC can be issued. Clearance includes criminal records checks, a national security assessment by ASIO, and an immigration check. We submit each applicant's details to AusCheck for this to occur, and we pay the relevant fee.
To confirm that we are an authorised ASIC Issuing Body click here for the government web page where you will see us listed under our company name of Airport Security. Follow the links for more information on ASICs and AusCheck.
Lost/stolen/damaged ASIC?
You need to advise your issuing body and complete a statutory declaration. For more information about statutory declarations, to download a form or to find a list of authorised signatories click here. Or you can access a template on our resources page.