Identification for handlers

Handlers with certified guide, hearing or assistance dogs are required to identify themselves by having their handler’s identity card displayed or available for inspection, and ensuring their dog wears an identifying coat with the blue and white guide, hearing and assistance dog logo.

Requesting a card

A trainer will issue an identity card to a handler once the handler has met all certification requirements, including passing a Public Access Test (PAT), and completed a Handler Identity Card form.

To request a handler’s identity card, you must provide your approved trainer with the following identification information in the Public Access Test, certification and handler's identity card form :

• a certificate of disability signed by a registered health practitioner
• a certified passport-sized photograph of yourself (the handler)
• a passport-sized photograph of your guide, hearing or assistance dog
• a certified copy of your proof of identity, such as your:
• birth certificate
• current driver's licence
• current adult proof of age card
• current Medicare card
• current passport.

Learn more about proof of disability and photo identification.

The trainer will issue a handler’s identity card if they are satisfied the handler:

• has a disability as defined by the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009 (the Act).
• relies and is supported by a guide, hearing or assistance dog
• can physically control their dog, or has an alternative handler that can control the dog for them
• has passed the PAT with their dog and is certified by the trainer.

A person in charge of a public place (including places of accommodation, or public passenger vehicles) may ask to see the handler’s identity card.

If your handler identity card is lost, stolen or damaged, contact your approved trainer to request a replacement card.

Handler’s identity cards are valid for up to 3 years from the date of issue.

Approved trainers, employee trainers and puppy carers must also carry the relevant trainer or puppy carer identity cards.

Renewing a handler’s identity card

Your card is no longer valid after it's expiry date.

You must be in regular contact with your trainer about what is required for you to obtain a new card. Your trainer may schedule another PAT and will require updated identification documents for a new card to be issued.

Replacing a handler’s identity card

If your handler’s identity card is lost, stolen or damaged, you can request a replacement card from your trainer. You must provide your full name, date of birth, your dog’s name and any updated contact details.

The trainer will send you a replacement handler’s identity card with the confirmed details.

Suspended or cancelled cards

If your identity card is suspended or cancelled, it must be returned to your trainer. A card may be suspended or cancelled if:

• your dog becomes a risk to the health or welfare of you or someone else
• you no longer rely on the dog
• your dog was certified, or your card was issued, due to a false or misleading representation or declaration
• the dog shown on the card should be retired due to age, illness or is unable to be used as a guide, hearing or assistance dog.

An alternative handler’s identity card may be suspended or cancelled if your alternative handler no longer supports you to physically control your dog or you no longer rely on the alternative handler to physically control your dog.

Review of decision

If your identity card request is refused, suspended or cancelled and you want your case reviewed, you can submit a review of a decision application form.