New South Wales has introduce digital driver licences; with the technology rolled out statewide from today.
The new tech means drivers can now have the I.D on their smartphones, after the Service NSW app updated overnight. There have already been reports of the app crashing.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet used this year's state budget to announce the news.
More than 14,000 drivers took part in trials across the state - in Dubbo, Albury and Sydney's eastern suburbs. The NSW government labelled them a "success".
"Smartphones have become de facto wallets and we're using cutting edge technology so that drivers can use a digital licence in everyday scenarios," said Minister for Customer Service, Victor Dominello.
The digital licences are hosted on smartphones via the Service NSW app, accessible by a pin.
"It will provide additional levels of security and protection against identity fraud, compared to the plastic driver licence," the Minister said.
The NSW government says the technology can be used as a proof of identification and age, outside of just driving. They also expect businesses to accept the licences in places like bars, banks, hotels and tobacco retailers.
The NSW government says the technology will always remains opt-in, and have reminded drivers that the digital licences would not be accepted as proof of ID in other states.
What about the other states?
Queensland are piloting trials of a 'digital wallet' in an as-yet unnamed regional area later this year. According to the Queensland Department of Transport, the pilot will include learner licences, photo identification cards and recreational marine licences.
South Australia has already rolled out digital identification in the form of a 'mySA GOV' app. Physical licences are still in use but digital alternatives are available for drivers, real estate agents, tradespeople and recreational boat licences.
Victoria has been testing the technology for proof of age since 2017, but has yet to implement it state-wide .
While in Tasmania and the Northern Territory, it appears there's been no real push at the state level to move away from physical licences into the tech.
