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Victorian Premier Dan Stephens recently announced that a trial of digital driver’s licences will commence in July 2023, with a planned statewide rollout in 2024. This will bring Victoria in line with three other states – NSW, Queensland, and South Australia – that already offer digital driver’s licences.
With digital licences soon available in the majority of Australian states, we take a look at four things to know about these digitised identity documents.
1. Available in a secure app
The four states offering digital driver’s licences have made it available in their chosen app – mySAGOV, Service NSW, QLD Digital Licence and Service Victoria. These apps are typically accessed with a passcode or biometric input, which makes it easy and intuitive to use whilst keeping licence information secure if a person’s phone is stolen or misplaced.
2. Make changes in real-time
Moving house is tough enough without the added administrative burden of going to the local service centre to update the address on your driver’s licence. Luckily this will become a distant memory with the introduction of digital licences as drivers will be able to update addresses and other conditions in real-time. Goodbye long queues, hello free time!
3. Proof of age and identity
Just as with physical driver’s licences, most drivers will be able to use their digital licence as a proof of age to enter venues or as a proof of identity for other service providers. Some states have restrictions on this, such as for learner and probationary licence holders, so make sure you find out whether this applies to you.
4. Protection against identity theft
Digital licences serve as an effective way to protect against identity fraud as they are more secure than physical licences. Physical licences can easily be accessed if a person’s wallet or handbag is stolen, whereas many phones are now only accessible via biometric input, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition. This biometric unlocking adds an extra layer of security and ensures that fraudsters are unable to access sensitive information even if they physically steal a person’s phone.
The availability of digital driver’s licences is welcomed by many Australians, especially those that prefer to go wallet-free. It’s convenient, secure, and is a big step forward in preventing identity fraud.
National Crime Check offers a comprehensive identity verification solution to businesses that also help to mitigate identity fraud. InstaID+ combines biometric verification with document analysis to ensure that individuals are who they say they are, thus enabling businesses to operate with confidence. Contact us to learn more.