For customers asked to verify
Why am I being asked to do a check?
A business you're dealing with has asked you to verify your identity. That's because new Australian law requires it — not because anyone suspects you of anything. Here's what's going on.
It's the law
From 1 July 2026, Australian anti-money-laundering law requires many businesses to verify the identity of their customers before providing certain services.
It takes about a minute
You'll fill in a short form and photograph your driver's licence or passport. Most people are done in under a minute.
Your details are protected
Your information is encrypted and used only to complete the verification — never for marketing.
The longer answer
What's changed?
Australia is expanding its anti-money-laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) laws. From 1 July 2026, a reform known as “Tranche 2” brings tens of thousands of everyday businesses — real estate agents, lawyers, accountants and more — under the same rules that have applied to banks for years.
When these businesses provide certain services (the law calls them “designated services”), they must first confirm who their customer is. You'll hear this called KYC — Know Your Customer. If the customer is a company or a trust, they also need to check who owns and controls it, which is called KYB — Know Your Business.
So if you've been asked to complete a check, it's not because anyone suspects you of anything. It's a legal requirement that applies to every customer, every time.
Who the law applies to
These businesses now have to run checks.
Real estate professionals
when you buy, sell or transfer property
Lawyers & conveyancers
for property, company and trust work
Accountants
when setting up companies or handling client money
Trust & company service providers
when creating or managing entities
Precious metals & stones dealers
for high-value transactions
Crypto & virtual asset providers
for exchanges, transfers and custody
What to expect
Three steps. About a minute.
Open the link
The business sends you a secure form by email, branded with their name and logo. There's no account to create and no app to download.
Verify your ID
Enter a few details and take a photo of your driver's licence or passport. Some checks also include a quick selfie to match you to your ID.
You're done
Verification usually completes in seconds. The business is notified automatically, and whatever you were doing together can go ahead.
Your information is protected.
- Encrypted in transit and at rest
- Used only to complete your verification — never sold, never used for marketing
- Handled in line with the Privacy Act, and kept only as long as the law requires
Want the detail? Read our privacy policy or visit the security & trust centre.
Common questions
You might be wondering…
Is this request legitimate?
If you received an email asking you to complete a check through Instant Compliance, it was sent on behalf of the business you're dealing with — we're the verification platform they use. The form will carry their name and branding. If you're ever unsure, contact the business directly using contact details you already have (not the ones in the email) and ask them to confirm.
Do I have to complete the check?
If you want to go ahead with the service, yes. The law doesn't allow the business to provide certain services until your identity has been verified — it's not optional for them, and they can't waive it.
What will I need?
Usually just a driver's licence or passport, and a phone or computer with a camera. The whole thing typically takes about a minute.
Why am I being asked to pay for the check?
Some businesses cover the cost of verification themselves; others pass the small fee on to the customer. If you're asked to pay, you'll enter your card details securely and pay Instant Compliance directly before the check runs. The business never sees or stores your card details.
What happens to my information?
Your details are encrypted in transit and at rest, and used only to complete your verification. They are handled in line with the Privacy Act and kept only as long as the law requires the business to keep verification records.
What if my ID doesn't verify?
It happens — a blurry photo or an expired document is the usual cause. You can simply try again. If it still doesn't work, the business will be in touch about other ways to verify you.
Still unsure about a request?
Ask the business that sent it — they can confirm it came from them. That's always the safest move.
Are you a business that needs to run checks? See how Instant Compliance works