Blue cards for young people
If you are under 18 and work or volunteer with children, you may need a blue card.
When you do not need a blue card
If you are under 18, you do not need a blue card to volunteer with children.
If you plan to keep volunteering after you turn 18, you may need to apply for a blue card.
If you are a restricted person, you cannot use the under 18 years exemption.
You do not need a blue card if you are:
- a 17-year-old who volunteers as a school volleyball coach
- a 13-year-old who umpires or coaches at a sports club and gets a small payment for expenses
- a 15-year-old school student doing work experience in a childcare centre
- a 17-year-old volunteering as a referee who gets paid for petrol costs
- an 18-year-old who attends school as a student
- an 18-year-old who shows skills to other students as part of a Vocational Education and Training course at a school.
When you do need a blue card
If you are under 18
You need a blue card if you:
- are paid to work with children
- run a business involving children
- are studying a tertiary qualification that requires practical placement.
You need a blue card if you are:
- a 16-year-old doing a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care that includes placement
- a 15-year-old who is paid to provide babysitting services
- a 17-year-old who is paid to tutor younger students.
These activities may be covered by different blue card categories. They include:
Students and trainees
If your course requires a blue card for practical placement, apply as soon as possible after you enrol.
This can help make sure you have your blue card when you need to start your placement.
If you are 18 or older
If you are 18 or older and do child-related regulated work, you need a blue card.
This applies whether you are paid or a volunteer.
You need a blue card if you are:
- an 18-year-old who is paid to teach younger students for a school performance
- an 18-year-old student doing placement at a childcare centre
- an 18-year-old who privately tutors students
- an 18-year-old student who gets an allowance to work as a dorm monitor.
These activities may be covered by different blue card categories. They include:
- schools-employees other than teachers
- education and care services
- private teaching, coaching or tutoring
- schools—boarding facilities.
Applying for a blue card
Learn how to apply for a blue card.
If you are a volunteer under 18 and need a blue card, you can apply up to 3 months before you turn 18.
If your application is approved, your blue card will be issued on your birthday.
More information
Learn more about: