Leading global background screening and identity solutions provider, First Advantage, today announced the continued evolution of its identity verification capability in Australia, aligning its Electronic Identity Verification (EIDV) offering with the Australian Government’s Identity Verification Services (IVS) framework.
This alignment demonstrates that First Advantage operates within the governance model established under the Identity Verification Services Act 2023, which formalises how organisations access and utilise government-backed identity verification services, including the Document Verification Service (DVS).
The DVS is a national capability that enables organisations to verify whether identity document information, such as passports and driver licences, matches authoritative government records, with the individual’s consent.
As part of this framework, First Advantage operates as an Identity Service Provider (IDSP) within the IVS ecosystem. In this role, First Advantage verifies identity on behalf of its customers, enabling employers to confidently validate the identity of job candidates as part of their hiring process and employment lifecycle.
First Advantage delivers this capability through an established provider ecosystem, working alongside technology gateway providers that maintain direct integration with the DVS. This model enables organisations to access government-backed identity verification services without requiring direct integration themselves, while helping to ensure appropriate governance, consent, and data handling obligations are met.
The introduction of the IVS Act strengthens this ecosystem by:
- Clarifying the roles of participants accessing identity verification services
- Introducing enhanced requirements around consent, privacy, and data usage
- Ensuring entities operate under appropriate participation agreements with government authorities
Supporting compliant and efficient hiring in Australia
First Advantage’s Australian EIDV (Electronic Identity Verification) capability is embedded within its broader background screening workflow, allowing employers to complete identity verification as part of a seamless, digital hiring experience.
By leveraging the DVS alongside integrated identity verification technologies, organisations can:
- verify candidate identity against authoritative government records
- Reduce manual document handling and associated errors
- Improve turnaround times in hiring processes
- Strengthen safeguards against identity-related fraud
Identity verification remains a foundational component of employment screening in Australia, alongside checks such as Nationally Coordination Criminal History Checks and Right to Work verification (e.g. VEVO checks), forming a critical part of compliant hiring processes.
Positioned for the future of digital identity in Australia
The Australian Government continues to invest in a nationally consistent digital identity and verification framework, with the IVS ecosystem forming a key part of this infrastructure. The legislative framework supports secure, consent-driven identity verification and reinforces strong privacy protections for candidates.
By aligning its services to this evolving framework, First Advantage is positioned to support organisations navigating increasing regulatory expectations, while delivering a modern, secure, and efficient candidate experience.
Executive commentary – Jim Heeney, Vice President ANZ
“First Advantage’s alignment with Australia’s Identity Verification Services framework reinforces our commitment to compliant, secure, and scalable identity verification. By operating as an Identity Service Provider within this ecosystem, we enable our clients to access trusted, government-backed verification capabilities while improving the efficiency and quality of their hiring processes.”
