New Zealand documents

Passports and Emergency Travel Documents

Only the Department of Internal Affairs passport offices in London, Sydney or New Zealand can issue a passport. In an emergency, a New Zealand Embassy may be able to issue an Emergency Travel Document. The Embassy can assist with forwarding passport applications to Wellington or London. There is a separate fee for this service payable in local currency. Please contact the Embassy for further information.

Birth, Death and Marriage Certificates

New Zealand Birth, Marriage or Death Certificates can be obtained directly from the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages. The Department of Internal Affairs website has details of how to obtain the certificates.

Births, Deaths and Marriages
PO Box 10-526
Wellington 6143
Level 3, Boulcott House
47 Boulcott Street
Wellington 6011
Freephone: 0800 22 52 52 (New Zealand only)
Phone: (+64 4) 474 8150
Fax: (+64 4) 382 3515 (for certificate and printout orders)
Fax: (+64 4) 382 3613 (for general enquiries)
Email: bdm.nz@dia.govt.nz

Document Authentication and Apostille Certification

Before certain New Zealand documents can be used overseas, Document Authentication or apostille certification may be necessary. It is usually required where overseas officials are not able to determine on sight the authenticity of New Zealand documents. To check the requirements, contact the relevant authorities in the country concerned or their overseas representatives. The process varies depending on the document type and country requirements and can only be done in Wellington by the Authentications Unit of the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).

New Zealand Driver Licences

Information about New Zealand licences is available at the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) website. 

Obtaining a copy of your criminal record

New Zealand Police are often asked for a “Police clearance certificate”, especially by people applying for a job overseas. New Zealand Police do not produce “Clearance Certificates” as such, but you can get a copy of your criminal record from the Ministry of Justice.