Australian residents can apply for a TFN at any age. 

The quickest way to apply is through online using myGovID. However, you must be 15 years old or older and have a passport to apply online using myGovID. 

If you do not have a passport or are under the age of 15, you can use one of the other application methods listed below. 

Apply at Australia Post 

If you are able to attend an interview, you can apply for a TFN at a participating Australia Post retail outlet. There is no charge for lodging a TFN application via Australia Post. 

To apply via Australia Post, you must:

• Complete the online form – the form is not compatible with Internet Explorer, consider using other browsers. 
• Print the application summary that includes your application reference number. 
• Schedule your interview within 30 days of completing your online form at a participating Australia Post outlet. 
• Make sure to attend your interview and bring your application summary and original proof of identity documents. 
• To complete your TFN application, sign your application at Australia Post during your interview. 

You should receive your TFN within 28 days of receiving your completed application and the required documents have been sighted by Australia Post.

Do not lodge another application to prevent delays.

Please contact the ATO If you haven’t received your TFN notification letter after 28 days of completing your application.

Note: Changes to Australia Post services due to COVID-19 may affect lodging your application. For more details, please check Australia posts current COVID-19 impacts. 

Apply at a Services Australia centre 

If you are a Services Australia customer, you can apply in person at a Services Australia service centre. 

You must fill out a paper TFN application form: 

You can get a copy of the form online and send your original proof of identity documents to Services Australia.  

Refer to the application instructions or proof of identity documents for the required documents. 

If you have granted Centrelink permission to receive your TFN from the ATO, choose ‘To give to Centrelink’ as your reason for requesting a TFN. 

Services Australia will send your TFN to both you and Centrelink after processing it. 

Apply by post

You will need to fill out a paper form if you cannot apply using any of the other available methods. 

You can get a copy of the paper form via online or via phone using the ATO Publication Ordering Service. 

Submit your completed TFN application and certified copies of your proof of identity documents to the address provided in the form. 

It is best to provide certified copies of your proof of identity documents. Do not send your original identity documents as they might not be returned to you. 

Should you require any additional assistance please don’t hesitate to contact us.