Digital ID Launches In NSW But Don't Throw Out Your Licence

Drivers across Australia are saying goodbye to their driver's licence, with a new digital option launched.

Plastic driver licences are on their way out, with Service NSW enabling all residents to display their ID on iPhone and Android devices.

The digital licence works on an opt-in basis, and won't be mandatory, but authorities expect a good takeup of the new technology.

While it may surprise some, the digital version is said to actually be more secure than a physical plastic license because of the anti-fraud features hardwired into the technology.

That includes features like a time stamp and shimmering effects that prevent the licence from being shared or duplicated as a screenshot.

How your digital license will look. Photo: Service NSW

It can also only be accessed by setting up an account with My Service NSW and logging into the app.

This means it can also double as a proof of age card -- such as at bars and clubs -- and is allowed for police roadside checks.

But definitely don’t go throwing out your physical licence yet, there are some pretty big conditions with the new ID. The main warning is that a physical licence should still be carried at all times.

This is because the tech is a bit like school assignments -- because a failure in the digital copy won’t get you out of trouble.

If a phone goes flat, or has screen damage that impacts the clarity of the digital licence, it will considered to be the same as having no ID at all if you can't then produce the physical version when asked

Extra care should also be taken when using the digital licence during police roadside checks, because there are some heavy penalties for touching a phone when driving.

READ MORECalls For Doctors To Dob In Risky Older Drivers

READ MORECalls For Alco-Gates To Curb Drink Driving

Only fully licenced drivers can use a phone while driving to make or answer calls, use the audio playing function or driver aid like navigation. That’s also only if it’s in a cradle that doesn’t obscure vision or can be operated without touching the phone.

So when being pulled over by police, it’s important not to touch the phone until the officer has requested a licence be shown.

Drivers risk heavy penalties if they touch their phone before being asked by police. Photo: Service NSW

For those living in Dubbo, Albury and parts of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, this won’t be anything new.

The digital licence has been trialled in these areas since 2017 and has been hailed a success.