NSW drivers will start using digital licences

WE’VE all forgotten our licence at one point or another. Now you can just carry a digital copy on your mobile phone.

NSW Digital Driving Licences will roll out soon.

NSW drivers will soon be able to show their licence on their phones if they are pulled over by police, with digital licences due to be rolled out across the state.

Legislation will be introduced to parliament in the next two weeks to enable the phased statewide rollout of the digital driver's licence. NSW Services Minister Victor Dominello claimed it was an Australian-first but South Australia had implemented a similar scheme in September last year.

Digital licences will be made available through the Service NSW app on mobile phones allowing people to use it as a proof of identity and age to gain entry into pubs and clubs as well for roadside police checks.

“Smartphones have become de facto wallets and we’re using cutting edge technology so that drivers can use a digital licence in everyday scenarios,” Mr Dominello said.

Digital licences will provide additional levels of security and increased protection against fraud compared to a physical licence, the NSW government said.

According to the Sunday Telegraph the waratah and state government logo hologram on the licence illuminates and shifts as the phone moves. Proof-of-age cards have a similar security feature which means the barcode constantly ­refreshes.

Data can’t be retrieved from lost or stolen smartphones as the app is encrypted with the same technology used by banks.

It follows a trial in Dubbo last year where more than 1400 residents used a digital licence.

Drivers who opt-in for the digital service will still be provided with a physical card but won’t be required to carry it with them.