Victoria ready for digital drivers licences

VICTORIANS will be able to carry a digital copy of their drivers licence on their mobile phone from May 1.

The news comes following the successful trial of the technology in Ballarat, Victoria last year. The state government says the technology will begin rolling out across the state from next month and says work is well underway to ensure Victorians are ready to accept this new form of identification.

In the lead up to the technology being released, the Allan state government has been working closely with organisations that rely on photo identification including bars, restaurants, Victoria Police and Australia Post to ensure they are prepared for the technology’s introduction.

“Our digital drivers licences will make it easy for Victorians when they go about their day-to-day lives, whether that’s driving around, renting a car, collecting a parcel or visiting a licenced venue,” said Victoria’s minister for roads and road safety Melissa Horne.

Ms Horne said that from May 1, more than 4.5 million Victorians who are fully licenced drivers, motorcyclists, or heavy vehicle operators will be eligible to download digital drivers licences as part of the state-wide launch.

The state government says digital drivers licences have undergone rigorous privacy and security testing, boasting features including dynamic hologram and a timed QR code that businesses and authorities can scan to verify authenticity and prevent fraudulent use.

The licences may also be updated in real-time if there are changes to licence conditions or personal information.

“Victorians have been asking for a digital drivers licence, and from next month, millions of Victorians can access them on their phones alongside other government-issued cards like a Working with Children Check, Seniors Card, or Fishing Licence,” said Victoria’s minister for government services Gabrielle Williams.

Victorians who have downloaded either the VicRoads or Services Victoria app will automatically receive their digital licence through their app once it has been processed in May and will be alerted either by push notification or email.

Learners and probationary licence holders will be able to access their digital licence by 2025.

Visit the VicRoads or Service Victoria websites to find out more about digital driver licences.