Approved ID

Anyone purchasing takeaway alcohol in a banned drinker area will need to provide approved photo identification to retail staff before purchasing takeaway alcohol.

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Approved ID

Anyone purchasing takeaway alcohol in a banned drinker area (BDA) is required to provide approved photo identification to retail staff before purchasing takeaway alcohol.

ID Requirements

Liquor premises selling takeaway alcohol in a BDA must check the purchaser's photo identification against the Banned Drinkers Register (BDR) before selling takeaway alcohol.

ID must be undamaged and display a legible full name, date of birth and photo. A screenshot of a digital ID or a photo of a physical ID card on a person’s electronic device is not acceptable for proof identity at any licensed venue.

For the purposes of the BDR, an expired but approved photo ID will be accepted as identification. However, there are no exemptions from the requirement to produce approved identification.

No ID, no sale of takeaway alcohol anywhere in a BDA. There are no exceptions.

Anyone in WA who does not have an approved form of photo ID can apply for identification in person at a regional Department of Transport centre or agent, or at Australia Post. 

If you are registered with the Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation, they may be able to assist you with obtaining identification.

Contact

You can contact the department with any questions about the BDR by emailing BDR@lgirs.wa.gov.au or calling +61 8 6551 4859 on weekdays.

Approved forms of identification

From 19 September 2025, legitimate International Proof of Age cards are included as approved ID and can be accepted for scanning in a BDA to purchase takeaway alcohol.

A complete list of approved ID is provided below.

The following list of photo ID types, and their state and territory issued equivalent, are acceptable for BDR purposes:

  • Driver’s licence
  • Learner's permit
  • Provisional/probationary driver’s licence
  • Extraordinary licence
  • Heavy vehicle driver’s licence
  • Firearms act extract of licence
  • Firearms identification card
  • Proof of age card
  • Liquor Control Act 1988 approved manager
  • Photo card
  • Licence to perform high risk work

Australian/International

  • International driver's licences in English showing name, date of birth and photo)
  • Australian or international passports (ICAO standard)
  • International Proof of Age Cards 
Page reviewed 22 February 2026