Which sign-in option is right for me?
Find out how and why we are changing the ways you can sign in and use services online.
Overview
We’re improving security and making it easier for you to access services online.
You can continue to sign in using your existing email, Google or Apple account. You can also choose the new, more secure digital identity option.
Why are we making this change?
Recent cyber incidents have shown the need for stronger protection of personal information. Digital identities offer higher levels of security, keeping your data safer from unauthorised access.
As we expand our online services, we’re upgrading our sign-in system to ensure secure and seamless digital transactions for you. Using a digital identity gives you one secure sign‑in. It reduces multiple logins and supports a more personalised online experience.
Changes to email and password sign-in
We’re phasing out passwords with traditional email sign-ins to improve your security.
Instead of using a password, you’ll receive a one‑time verification code when you sign in. The code will be sent to your nominated email address.
This means no more remembering or creating complex passwords — just enter the code and you're in!
Sign-in help
Recover your account
In some circumstances, you may be able to recover your online account.
If you lose access to your Apple or Google login, contact the provider directly. Follow their account recovery process to regain access.
Once you have recovered your social identity, you can sign in to your Council online account.
If you lose access to your digital identity used to set up your account, contact the provider directly. Follow their recovery process to regain account access.
Once you have recovered your digital identity, you can sign in to your Council online account.
Frequently asked questions
When you create a Brisbane City Council online account, you can sign in using email, Google or Apple. You can also choose the new, more secure digital identity option.
A digital identity is an online ID that allows you to safely confirm your identity online to access digital services.
To create your digital identity, you’ll verify who you are using approved identity documents. These may include a birth certificate, driver’s licence or passport. Once verified, you can reuse this identity to access other services without having to verify your identity again.
Council is offering customers the ability to use a myID digital identity to access online services. This aligns with the Australian Government's myID identity verification standards, using a secure and proven national approach.
To find out more about myID, visit the Australian Government’s myID website.
To create a myID, you need a smartphone to download the myID app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. The app will guide you to which forms of identification you need to verify your identity.
To find out more about setting up your myID, visit the Australian Government’s myID website.
Council is introducing digital identity access to online services in stages. This rollout aligns with ongoing development of interfaces with Council applications.
Currently, only some online services allow sign-in using a digital identity, however more services will become available in the future.
Most Council online services will continue to allow sign‑in using email addresses or social identities like Google or Apple.
Most online services still allow you to sign in using social identities like Google or Apple, or your email address. However, some services may require a secure digital identity for access. If a service requires a digital identity, it will need to meet at least a 'standard' identity strength.
For more detailed information about identity strength, visit the Australian Government's myID website.
myID provides a secure and verified way to sign in. This protects your information. It also removes the need to remember other usernames or passwords.
myID increases the security on your account. Once you link myID, you can only use myID to sign in. You will not be able to remove your myID.
Yes, after creating your Brisbane City Council online account, you can link additional sign‑in methods for greater flexibility. If one method stops working for you, you have another way to sign in. This helps you keep access to your account.
Yes. You can unlink Google, Apple or email address sign-in methods, however you cannot unlink a digital identity (i.e. myID). You can manage your linked sign-in methods in your account, under ‘Sign-in methods’.
You have the ability to choose the option that suits you. Linking extra methods is optional, but it helps if you lose access to your usual method.
You can still use your email to sign in. However, passwords are being replaced by verification codes. Instead of entering a password, you will receive a unique code sent to your email address each time you sign in. This change enhances security and simplifies the sign-in process.
Verification codes offer stronger security than passwords. They are single‑use and sent directly to your email or mobile phone.
Unlike passwords, they cannot be guessed or compromised through phishing attacks. This method removes the need to remember or create complex passwords. It offers a safer and more convenient way to protect your account.