Left your licence at home by accident? You may be able to get it on your phone as Australian states roll out digital licences.
What is a digital licence?
A digital licence is just what it sounds like, a digital version of your physical licence, stored in an app on your phone. Having been introduced in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria digital licences can be used in place of a physical licence in those states. Depending on which state you’re in this includes drivers licences, recreational marine licences and adult proof-of-age cards.
Can you put your licence on your phone?
Yes, the digital licence app will allow you to use your phone to prove your identity in place of a physical licence. Digital licences are optional and will not replace physical licences, they are just simply a more convenient way to verify your identity.
How does the digital licence app work in QLD, NSW, VIC and SA?
In QLD
In Queensland, to get the optional Digital Licence app you need to download it from either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and create a Queensland Digital Identity. To create a Queensland Digital Identity you must verify your identity using either a Queensland-issued driver’s licence, Queensland marine licence or Adult proof of age card as well as one of the following identification documents: an Australian birth certificate, Australian passport, foreign passport with valid visa or entry stamp, or Australian citizenship certificate. From there you should be able to log into the Queensland Digital Licence app.
In NSW
To access a NSW digital drivers licence you must have the Service NSW app and a MyServiceNSW account that is linked to roads. If you do not have the app then you can download it from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. If you do not yet have a MyServiceNSW account you will have to create one on the Service NSW website. From there you will have to go to the “Add services” page and add roads. Once you have set up your account you should be able to log into the Service NSW app with your MyServiceNSW account details and be walked through the setup process by the app.
In VIC
Currently a pilot program, digital licences are only available to Ballarat locals that hold an open licence, however VicRoads plans to roll out digital licences to all Victorians by 2024. For the moment, eligible Ballarat locals can register their interest to participate in the pilot through their myVicRoads account or the Service Victoria website and will be invited to access their digital licence.
In SA
Digital licences and proof of age cards have been available in South Australia since 2019 via the mySA GOV app, available for download on Apple or Android devices. As well as driver’s licences, boat licences and proof of age cards, you can also digitise real estate registrations for land agents, sales representatives and property managers, as well as licences for builders, tradespeople, security and investigation agents.
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