Physical driver’s licences set to be SCRAPPED as digital permits on smartphones are rolled out
- Digital licences will be displayed on holders’ smartphones, protected by a pin
- The new licences were used in a trial in NSW, but will now be used statewide
- NSW Minister for Customer Service said phones were being used as wallets
Physical driver’s licences could become a thing of the past, as digital permits on smartphones are introduced.
The change was announced in the New South Wales state budget on Tuesday, and 14,000 digital licences are already being used in a trial across the state.
The programme will now be extended to all citizens state-wide.
Digital driver’s licences will be displayed on holders’ smartphones, and will be protected by a pin number
Digital driver’s licences will be displayed on holders’ smartphones, and will be protected by a pin number.
The rollout comes almost five years after it was first proposed by the state government.
NSW Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said people were already using their smartphones as wallets, and so it made sense for digital driver’s licences to be introduced.
‘We’re using cutting edge technology so that drivers can use a digital licence in everyday scenarios,’ he said.
‘[Digital licences] will provide additional levels of security and protection against identity fraud, compared to the plastic driver’s licence.’
Drivers can choose to opt in to use a digital licence, and during the trial drivers were still required to have their physical licence on them.
NSW Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said people were already using their smartphones as wallets
While the implementation is exciting for young people, those with a cracked smartphone screen will not be able to use the digital ID.
Both clear screens and fully charged phones are essential to show the license.
The digital license is available through the Service NSW app and can be used as a form of identification at pubs and clubs.
However, the state government is warning people to keep carrying their plastic licence as some venues may need time before accepting it.
‘Ensure your phone screen isn’t cracked and your phone is charged. Carry your plastic card if you plan to travel overseas or interstate and as a backup to your digital driver licence,’ the Service NSW website warns.
‘It … may take some time before all organisations will be ready to accept the digital app.’
Service NSW also warns that those using the digital license must only pick up their phone when a police officer asks for the driver’s licence, as penalties apply for using a mobile phone illegally.
NSW is the second Australian state to implement the move, after South Australia launched a similar app in 2017.