New South Wales

Do You Have to Give Police Your Name and Address in New South Wales?

Law checked: 18 July 2026

This article gives general information about identity questions in New South Wales. It was checked on 18 July 2026 against Legal Aid NSW guidance and the current New South Wales legislation. Police powers depend on the facts, the particular statutory power being used and whether any special order, warrant or declared area applies.

Short answer

Police may ask anyone for their name and address, but a request is not always a legal demand. Whether you must answer depends on a statutory power and the circumstances. Legal Aid NSW guidance describes the situations in which NSW Police may require identifying details; the enforceable rules come from the current New South Wales legislation and other topic-specific laws such as road-traffic legislation.

A practical response

Ask, “Am I legally required to give my details?” and “Why are you requiring them?” If the officer identifies a lawful requirement, provide accurate details. Giving false identifying information or refusing a lawful requirement may itself be an offence under the relevant law, as explained in Legal Aid NSW guidance.

Other questions

Providing required identifying information does not necessarily mean you must answer investigative questions. The right to silence and its exceptions are addressed separately in Legal Aid NSW guidance. Drivers, vehicle owners, people subject to particular orders and people involved in regulated activities may have additional duties under laws outside the general police-powers Act.

Key sources

Important

This is general educational information, not legal advice. Police powers can arise under laws not discussed here and may change after the checked date. If an encounter is happening now, prioritise safety. If you are arrested, charged, injured or unsure whether you must comply, obtain advice from a lawyer or the legal-aid service in New South Wales.