In brief:

• Most Access Canberra services can be done online.
• If you need to visit a service centre in person, there are ways to make the process easier.
• This article includes tips and information about visiting Access Canberra service centres.

Connecting with Access Canberra is easier than ever.

Most services can be carried out online, but if you need to visit in person, there are a few ways to help you get your life admin done quicker and easier.

Visiting a service centre

You usually only need to visit a service centre if your transaction includes a photo or if you need new numberplates.

A list of common transactions you can do online is on the Access Canberra website.

General walk-in service centres are located at:

• Belconnen
• Gungahlin
• Woden
• Tuggeranong.

You can also book an appointment at these service centres, as well as the appointment-only centre in Dickson.

Access Canberra also has specialised centres at:

• Mitchell – for land, planning and building services
• Holder – for food business licence services
• Hume – for motor vehicle inspections.

You will need to book an appointment to visit a specialised centre.

Bookable appointments

It’s easy to book an appointment at an Access Canberra walk-in service centre if you want to plan your visit in advance.

To book an appointment, visit the Access Canberra booking page.

• Appointments are available Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 4:40 pm.
• You will receive a reminder text and email 24 hours before your appointment.
• You can also cancel or change your appointment online if needed.

Wait times and planning ahead

You don’t need to make an appointment to visit one of the walk-in service centres but it’s a good idea to plan ahead.

Mondays, first thing in the morning (between 9 am–10 am), lunchtimes daily (between 12 pm–1:30 pm) and Fridays afternoons (between 4 pm–5 pm) tend to be the busiest periods.

You can check the wait time online before visiting a service centre.

You can also use the Access Canberra website to find out what you will need to bring with you. Depending on the transaction, this may include identity documents or proof of residency.

Accessibility at Access Canberra

When you visit one of the walk-in service centres there are a range of accessibility options available.

Whether it's simply that you need a bit of extra time and support or you need help in your language, staff are there to help you.

Parking: Parking information, including the closest accessible parking is available online to help make your visit as easy as possible.

Wheelchair access: There is a ramp or flat services for wheelchair access at all of the walk-in service centres.

Quiet hour: There is a quiet hour every Wednesday from 10 am to 11 am to make it easier for customers who need a quieter environment. Where possible walk-in service centres will also have:

• dimmed lighting
• music turned down
• mobile phones on silent mode.

Hidden disabilities: All Access Canberra Service staff receive Hidden Disabilities Sunflower training to support people with a hidden disability. Staff wear a supporter pin to show they have completed the training.

You can wear a sunflower lanyard or pin to let them know you might need extra help, understanding, or more time.

Auslan interpreting service: Auslan interpreting is available at Access Canberra service centres. The video interpreting service is provided by Convo Australia.

Customers can scan a QR code with their own device and connect with an Auslan interpreter at no cost.

Languages on name badges: Access Canberra has a diverse team, and 19 languages are spoken at the service centres.

Team members who speak a language other than English may have the languages they speak listed on their name badges. If you speak a language listed on a team member’s name badge, please feel free to chat with them in that language.

Find out more about accessibility at Access Canberra.

Next time you need to visit an Access Canberra Service Centre, consider using one of these services to make your day a little easier.

Remember, you can do most transactions online. It’s quick and available 24/7.

If you’d rather speak with someone over the phone, give Access Canberra a call on 13 22 81. The call centre operates Monday to Friday 8 am–6 pm, and 9 am–5 pm on weekends and public holidays.

Read more like this

• Access Canberra is speaking your language
• Free ways to stay entertained with Libraries ACT
• Save time, go online

Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:

Subscribe to Our CBR