Certified telcos must have robust identity verification processes
A certified telco is an Australian carriage service provider, carrier or electronic messaging service provider (message provider) that has been approved by the ACMA to register sender IDs and send sender ID messages on behalf of organisations with an ABN as well as organisations without an ABN (including international organisations).
Certified telcos have extra responsibilities, including verifying the identity and legitimacy of the person and organisation they are registering sender IDs for.
Certified telcos must use an identity verification service to confirm the identity of the person who has requested to register sender IDs.
You will need to demonstrate you have identity verification processes in place when you apply to become a certified telco.
Definition of an identity verification service
An identity verification service is a service designed to provide a high assurance level to verify an individual’s identity accurately, including through the use of government-issued identity documents, biometric or other information. This includes services that have been authorised, approved or recognised by a foreign government.
Organisations that may provide identity verification services
IDMatch
IDMatch offers identity verification services provided through a partnership between the Australian Government and state and territory governments.
Visit the IDMatch website to access a non-exhaustive list of organisations that may provide identity verification services.
Some of the organisations on this list provide services that verify international identification documents.
Other identity verification services
The IDMatch list of services is not exhaustive – you can find other identity verification services that may meet your requirements.
More information
The Telecommunications (SMS Sender ID Register) Industry Standard 2025 defines an identity verification service and sets out the rules for using identity verification services.