Apply for a blue card or exemption card

To work or volunteer with children, or run a business covered by the blue card system, you may need a blue card or exemption card.

Before you apply

The blue card application is a 2-step process:

  1. Get your Customer Reference Number (CRN) and photo from the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR).
  2. Apply for your blue card.

Follow the steps below to get ready.

Get your CRN or update your photo

Visit a TMR service centre (recommended)

Take your acceptable identity documents to a TMR customer service centre. They will:

  • check your identity
  • take your photo
  • give you a CRN if you do not already have one.

Apply remotely

If you cannot visit TMR in person, you can apply remotely if you:

  • live outside Queensland (interstate)
  • are  overseas
  • live in a remote area.

You must complete a remote pack.

Existing CRN holders

If you already have a CRN and only need a new photo:

Do not have a CRN

If you do not have a CRN:

Watch our step-by-step video guides if you are applying from interstateoverseas or remote Queensland.

Check if you can apply

The blue card system helps keep children and young people safe in Queensland.

Some  people cannot hold or apply for a blue card.

Before you apply, check  if you are eligible to hold a blue card.

Prove your identity

You need a CRN to prove your identity.

You can find your CRN on any TMR product. If you are not sure if you have one, contact TMR.

Getting a CRN or updating your photo is free.

People under the age of 18 can also apply for a CRN through TMR.

Check your details

Before you apply, make sure your details are correct.

Contact details

The email address, mobile number and date of birth in your online application must match your TMR record.

Photo

Your blue card will use the photo linked to your TMR record.

If your photo is more than 6 years and 11 months old, you must visit a TMR customer service centre for a new photo before you apply.

Updating your photo is free.

Apply for a blue card

To apply for a blue card or exemption card, follow these 3 steps.

  1. Have your CRN nearby—you will it to apply.
  2. Register for an online account. Create an online account so we can:
    • verify your identity
    • use your photo for your card.

    If you’re a volunteer and student, give your online account number to the organisation.

    They must create a link to allow you to complete your application for free.

    When the link is ready, you will receive a text or email to continue with your application.

  3. Apply for your blue card or exemption card by either:

Apply online

Application guides

If you need help, use our guides.

Videos

Step-by-step guides

Apply using a paper application

If you can’t apply online, you can submit a paper application.

If you need to pay a fee, you will need a:

You can send your paper application to us by:

Paper applications may take longer to process.

Withdrawing your application

You can withdraw your consent to screening at any time before a decision is made.

Contact us if you want to withdraw your consent for screening.

More information

You can also find information about:

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Already have a blue card?

Read our information for existing blue card holders if you already have a blue card and only need to update your details, renew or replace your card, or reflect that you have changed your workplace.

Contact us

Call us on 1800 113 611 or (07) 3211 6999 or send us an email.

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