Security requirements for pilots

All current pilots must have an aviation security status check. You will need to complete a check if you are applying for a flight crew licence.

Depending on your age and where you operate, you can meet these requirements by obtaining either:

The right option depends on where you fly, your age and whether you’re overseas when submitting your application. 

The Department of Home Affairs is Australia’s aviation security regulator. It administers the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005, which set out these aviation security status check requirements.

Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC)

You need an ASIC if:

  • you're applying or hold a Part 61 flight crew licence flying at a security controlled airport, or a pilot under the age of 18 
  • your flying duties require unescorted access to the secure areas of a security-controlled airport. 

An ASIC allows you to access certain secure areas at security-controlled airports.

Home Affairs issues Aviation Security Identification Cards (ASICs) through authorised issuing bodies. To apply for an ASIC, contact an authorised issuing body. 

Each issuing body sets its own fee. Always check their website for the latest information on fees and allow 4-6 weeks for them to process your application.

Apply for an ASIC

  1. Confirm you need an ASIC. 
  2. Apply through an ASIC authorised issuing body.
  3. The issuing body arranges your background check through AusCheck. 
  4. Once approved, you’ll receive a confirmation notice that your ASIC is ready for collection.

Aviation Identification (AVID)

For many pilots, an AVID may be suitable based on the airports you fly to and from.

An AVID allows you to meet the requirements of an aviation security status check.

To apply for an AVID, you must:

  • be 18 or older
  • hold, or be applying for, a Part 61 flight crew licence
  • have a current aviation medical.

An AVID does not permit unescorted access to the secure areas of a security-controlled airport.

An AVID costs $126 and usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to process.

Apply and pay through myCASA

Your new AVID is issued as a letter and cannot be used as photo identification for flight crew examinations.

Read the guide on acceptable photo IDs for exams.

Apply for an AVID

Apply online through myCASA. This is the quickest way to apply and pay.

  1. Log in to myCASA

    Log in to myCASA or create a myCASA account.

  2. Apply for an aviation reference number (ARN) or link your existing ARN

    Follow the prompts to apply for an individual ARN or link your existing ARN.

  3. Find the form

    Use the search bar at the top of the page to find:

    • Form 499 – Aviation identification application.

    You can search by keyword or form number.

  4. Complete the form

    Open the form and complete the fields in myCASA.

    Attach any relevant information.

  5. Submit your application

    Submit your application through myCASA.

    We'll email you to confirm receipt of the application and start the assessment process.

    If you pass this check, we’ll send you a letter confirming your aviation security status.

ASIC and AVID compared

FeatureASICAVID
Where it can be usedWhere an ASIC is required, including for unescorted access to secure areas of security-controlled airportsAirports that are not security controlled. Does not permit unescorted access to secure areas of security-controlled airports
Who is it forAll pilots operating at security-controlled airports and all pilots under 18.Pilots 18 or older who are not operating at security-controlled airports.
Who issues the IDHome Affairs-authorised issuing bodies. CASA
CostSet by the issuing body. Generally around $400-$500. Check the issuing body for the current fee$150
Processing timeUsually 4 to 6 weeksUsually 4 to 6 weeks
ValidityUsually 5 years – check with your issuing body.2 years
Can be used as exam photo IDYesNo (new AVIDs are issued as a letter rather than a photo card)
Security levelHigher. Includes a National Security Assessment, a Criminal History Check, Immigration Right to Work check and Criminal Intelligence Assessment.Lower. Includes a National Security Assessment, a Criminal History Check, and Immigration Right to Work check.

Work out which option you need

These points will help you choose:

  • You need an ASIC if your flying duties require unescorted access to the secure areas of a security-controlled airport.
  • You need an ASIC if you are under 18 and hold, or are applying for, a Part 61 flight crew licence.
  • An AVID may suit you if you are 18 or older, you hold or are applying for a Part 61 flight crew licence, have a current aviation medical, and do not require an ASIC for your flying activities.
  • An ASIC may also suit you if you prefer one credential that can be used.

If you are unsure whether your flying activities require an ASIC, check with your employer, flight training organisation or the airport operator.

Related content

Related rules and publications

Last updated:
1 Sep 2026
Online version available at: https://www.casa.gov.au//operations-safety-and-travel/aviation-safety-and-security-pilots/security-requirements-pilots
Back to top of page