Drivers can show licence without a plastic card in Australian law first
EVERY driver in NSW will be allowed to carry a digital licence on their smartphone under new laws that could spell the beginning of the end of plastic cards.
NSW
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EVERY driver in NSW will be allowed to carry a digital licence on their smartphone under new laws that could spell the beginning of the end of plastic cards.
In the biggest overhaul of licences for 30 years, the state government will introduce legislation to parliament in the next fortnight to digitise licences and proof-of-age cards.
The new hi-tech identification system, to be accessed on a smartphone app, will be progressively launched this year in different areas across the state and free via Services NSW.
“Smartphones have become de facto wallets and we’re using cutting-edge technology so that drivers can use a digital licence in everyday scenarios,” NSW Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello said.
The laws will be an Australian-first as drivers won’t be required to also carry a plastic card.
The smartphone app will be valid for roadside police checks and ID entry into pubs and clubs, but plastic cards won’t be phased out in the short term as the digital licence will be opt-in only.
Australian Hoteliers Association director John Green said he expected take-up for the new licences would be “a slow burn”.
“I think it will take hold over the next year or two,” he said.
“You imagine we will eventually be walletless.”
Mr Green said the technology would reduce the use of fake or lookalike IDs. “Not many people are going to lend their phone and a digital licence to another person,” he said.
“The dynamic features make it quite easy to detect if they are valid. There’s a clear indication in the middle in the screen that says this person is over 18.”
More than a year in development, the smartphone app has security features designed to stop people making fake licences by taking a screenshot.
A NSW waratah and state government logo hologram illuminates and shifts as the phone moves, while a barcode constantly refreshes on proof-of-age cards.
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Data also can’t be retrieved from lost or stolen smartphones with the app encrypted with the same technology used by banks.
The new legislation comes after an ongoing pilot trial in Dubbo, which started in November last year, involving more than 1400 residents.
An independent research company found 83 per cent of users found the smartphone licences were easy to use and convenient.
“The Dubbo trial was a big success and drivers gave it the thumbs up,” Mr Dominello said.
To access the new app, drivers will need to register a MyServiceNSW account and download the digital licence.
The government will continue working with fraud experts and the banking sector to expand the use of the digital licence in more complex cases.
NSW drivers will still need to use their plastic card when interstate or overseas.