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KEY POINTS
- Digital licenses can be used in QLD, NSW, VIC and SA in place of your physical card.
- Each state has its own app for accessing digital licenses and other services.
- Other forms of digital ID are available to help safeguard your personal details.
What is a digital licence?
A digital licence is a digital version of your physical card, 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?
A 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
To get the optional Queensland Digital Licence app, you need to download it from either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and create a Queensland Digital Identity. This will require you to verify your identity using either a:
- Queensland-issued driver’s licence;
- Queensland marine licence, or;
- adult proof of age card.
You’ll also need to provide another identification document, such as 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
Digital driver licences are available in the myVicRoads app to all Victorian licence holders, including learner drivers and p-platers. You can download the app via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The digital driver licence can also be accessed from Service Victoria.
The digital driver licence features a secure QR code which can be scanned to verify authenticity and prevent fraudulent use. Businesses, authorities and others will be able to check if a licence is valid using their smartphone.
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.
What other digital identification options are available?
As well as state-based digital licences and proof of age cards, you have the option to prove your identity online with other Australian government departments and services.
This could include:
Remember to be careful with sharing personal information online, and to always verify the app or service you’re using.
Cover image source: KaimDH/Shutterstock.com
