Omari Gates
The introduction of digital driver's licenses in Australia has been gradual, with some states adopting the technology sooner than others. As of 2023, digital driver's licenses are available in South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, with varying levels of functionality and acceptance across the country. While digital licenses are generally accepted in most states, there are still instances where a physical license is required, such as when travelling interstate or renting a car. As the rollout of digital licenses continues, it is likely that more states will introduce them, providing convenience and security to drivers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| States with digital driver's licenses | New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, Victoria |
| States with digital driver's licenses accepted by police | New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, Western Australia, Australian Capital Territory |
| States with digital driver's licenses in trial phase | Victoria, Queensland |
| States with digital driver's licenses to be introduced in the future | Western Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania |
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What You'll Learn
Queensland
The app allows users to store their Queensland driver's licence, recreational marine licence, and/or photo identification card on their mobile devices. This information is encrypted and protected by a six-digit PIN. The app also enables users to share their information whenever they need to prove their identity.
While the Queensland Government advises Queenslanders to check with local authorities when travelling outside the state to see if digital licences are accepted, digital licences are generally accepted across Australia. However, it is still recommended to carry a physical licence as a backup.
The Queensland Digital Licence app also provides a way for businesses and organisations to verify the digital licences of their customers.
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South Australia
The mySAGov app offers several security features, such as a one-time barcode generated each time the app is accessed and for every 30 seconds it is in use. This feature helps prevent fake digital passes and licenses from being used. The app can be accessed using a local PIN or fingerprint identification, and users need to verify their identity against the government system that holds their license and registration information.
While a digital license is convenient, it does not give permission to use the phone while driving. It is illegal to hold or touch a mobile phone when driving in South Australia. Full license holders can use their phones when driving for making and receiving audio calls, playing music, or for navigation if it is secured in a cradle fixed to the car or can be used without touching, such as being connected to the car's hands-free software. Learners and P1 license drivers are banned from using any mobile phone functions while driving.
Although a South Australian digital license should be accepted throughout Australia, the South Australian Government's Department for Infrastructure and Transport recommends that people carry their physical licenses as a backup when traveling interstate or overseas. This is because some states, such as the Northern Territory, do not accept digital licenses, and many rental car companies do not accept them either.
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New South Wales
The digital license is optional and does not replace the physical card. It is available at no additional cost. It is also accessible offline, as long as users remain logged into the Service NSW app. However, users should keep their phones charged and ensure that the license is not obscured by cracks on the phone screen, as this could interfere with QR scanners.
While the digital license is generally considered secure, there have been concerns about its forgeability. Security researchers have found that it is relatively easy to bypass the security measures and forge the data presented by the application. In response, the NSW government has worked with cybersecurity and identity theft experts to implement comprehensive security measures to protect users' information and identity.
It is important to note that it is illegal to access the digital driver's license while driving, including when stationary, unless requested by a police officer or an authorized officer. Drivers should also carry their physical license as a backup when traveling interstate or overseas, as some states and territories may not accept digital licenses.
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Victoria
The Service Victoria app, available on the Apple Store and Google Play, will be used to access the digital licence. The licence will feature a QR code that can be scanned to check a person's records, with each code being unique and lasting for two minutes. This adds a layer of security, protecting against fraud. The digital licence will also feature a hologram, similar to the one on a plastic card, which will change colour when the phone is tilted.
Digital licences are considered valid forms of identification in Victoria and can be used for age verification in licensed premises. The digital licence should be scanned in the same way as a physical licence, and if a scan cannot be performed, another acceptable form of ID should be requested.
While digital licences are convenient, it is important to note that they do not replace physical licences entirely. In some cases, a physical licence may still be required as a backup, especially when travelling interstate or overseas.
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Western Australia
As of 2023, digital driver's licenses are available in South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria. Residents of these states can access their digital licenses through the mySAGov or Service NSW apps.
In Western Australia, the state government has begun developing digital credentials for its ServiceWA app. In 2023, the government awarded a $3 million contract to two Perth-based software developers, GenVis and Adapptor, to work on the app for 16 months. The new features are expected to include a ServiceWA wallet, digital credentials, and a search capability for occupational licenses. However, there is no specific mention of digital driver's licenses being included in this development work.
While Western Australia has not yet introduced digital driver's licenses, it is likely that the government will consider it in the future, especially given the push for closer integration between myGov functionality and ServiceWA. In the 2024-2025 WA State Budget, there were provisions for funding related to the ServiceWA app, including a mention of "Driver and Vehicle Services," which could indicate work towards digital driver's licenses.
It is worth noting that Western Australia does not have a law requiring people to carry their licenses while driving, which may impact the urgency to implement digital driver's licenses in the state.
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Frequently asked questions
New South Wales, South Australia, and Queensland have digital driver's licenses. Victoria has announced a roll-out by 2024.
Yes, it is recommended that you carry your physical license as a backup, as some states and territories have yet to adopt digital licenses, and rental car companies may not accept them.
Your digital driver's license is stored in a government app on your smartphone, such as the Service NSW app or the mySAGOV app.
Digital licenses should be accepted throughout Australia. Queensland's digital license is the first to be valid overseas. However, it is still recommended to carry your physical license as a backup when travelling interstate or internationally.
