It looks like Victoria's licence system is finally ready to enter the 21st century, hallelujah! It's plagued us for yonks that our neighbours, South Australia and New South Wales, get the convenience of using digital licences. Residents of those states no longer have to worry about experiencing the panic of forgetting their licence on a night out or a trip to the bottle-o, and then getting asked for ID despite being well over the age of 18 (a frustrating but flattering experience).
Unlike us, forgetting their wallet isn't a make-or-break issue. But now, we Victorians have something to smile about: digital driver licences are finally available.
When will Victorians be able to use digital driver's licences?
This new initiative has been in the works for a while, with trials of digital licences taking place in the regional Victoria township of Ballarat last year. Thankfully those trials went smoothly, and as of May 13 all fully licensed Victorian drivers are able to download digital licences onto their phones via the Vic Roads and Service Victoria apps in a state-wide launch.
Where can Victorians use digital driver's licences?
All Victorians can use a digital licence at businesses like bars, restaurants, retailers, post offices, car rental services and more. Basically, you can use it in every way that you currently use your physical driver's licence, but instead, it's located conveniently on your phone. However, it might take some time for businesses to adapt to the change, so it's probably a good idea to keep carrying your physical ID for a little longer until everyone catches up. Also, if you need to provide a scan of your licence as a form of identification for any official documents, you can't do this with the digital version.
How do Victorians access digital driver's licences?
To access your new digital ID, all you have to do is download the Vic Roads or Service Victoria app and log into your account, and it will be automatically available once processed. You'll know it's ready to download via a notification on your phone. Unfortunately for learner drivers and P-platers, the digital licences won't be accessible immediately, but will be ready by 2025.
What information will Victorian digital driver's licences show?
One of the best parts about a digital licence is that you have a lot more control over your personal information. Only you can access it through your Vic Roads or Service Victoria account, and when you have to show it to someone, you can choose how much information you share with them. There'll be three levels of info to display – the first is your full driver's licence, which shows details about your right to drive. The second is identity information, which covers the basics like your name and address, and the third level is just a proof of age card that states you're over 18, without displaying your exact age or date of birth.
According to the state government, these digital licences are protected by a range of privacy and security measures, like a dynamic hologram and timed QR code to prove authenticity – so, unlike a physical card, no one can pinch it. Also, it'll automatically update if any details are changed, like your address.
For more information about the new digital driver's licences, visit the Vic Roads website.
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