Victorians are finally getting their digital driver licences

Victoria will join NSW, Queensland and South Australia in offering a digital licence for drivers from next year.

The state government announced this week that motorists will be able to carry their licence on their phone with a digital driver licence trial in Ballarat from July before a statewide roll-out by 2024.

NSW pioneered the roll out of smartphone-based licences in 2019, with South Australia quickly following suit. Queensland is currently rolling out its version. having trialled digital licences in the Fraser Coast region and then expanding it to Townsville a fortnight ago ahead of the rest of the state later this year.

The Victorian version will be available via the Service Victoria app or soon-to-be-launched VicRoads app.

From June, full licence holders in Ballarat will be able to sign up for the pilot through the Service Victoria or VicRoads websites before the trial begins in July,

Government services minister Danny Pearson said the licence will feature a timed QR code that can be scanned by licence validators such as police, businesses and other authorities to verify authenticity and prevent fraudulent use. It will updated in real time in response to any changes such as new conditions, a suspension or a change of address.

“This is world-class technology – the digital driver licence has a constantly refreshed unique QR code and the customer has control over the level of personal information shared,” he said.

“We know Victorians are calling out for more cards to be added to the Service Victoria wallet and that is why we are thrilled that the digital driver licence will soon be added.”

During the pilot, L and P plate drivers will still need to carry their physical licence with them at all times and others will still have the option to use their physical licence.

The Victorian roll-out follows the work done in NSW to build the national rails for a Digital ID, with the NSW version due to start appearing later this year.

The former NSW government was working with the other states and territories and the Australian government on the adoption of a national Digital Identity ecosystem, which will enable the use of NSW Digital ID outside of the state.