Driver licenses in this state are now digitally available on smartphones
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If you live in Queensland, be prepared to embrace technology because the state is offering residents the option to access their driver's licences digitally via a smartphone app.
While having important identification accessible on your phone may seem novel to many, it offers a lot of benefits in our increasingly digital world.
Designed to ease the process of identity verification, the digital driver’s licence can now be installed simply by downloading the Queensland Digital Licence app from the Apple App Store for iPhones or the Google Play Store for Android devices.
The app was initially only trialled for Fraser Coast and Townsville residents but has now been rolled out across the state.
However, the launch was reportedly marred by delays, prompting the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to issue a statement urging residents to wait before downloading the app.
In a statement, the department shared that—as part of the launch process—they had to conduct a 'larger-scale final test of the app'.
'We were not satisfied with the customer experience in that final check, and so we are adjusting in response to the performance of the testing,' they stated.
'We will be doing further testing to check to validate any changes that we make, and we will keep users informed.'
'Some customers have experienced delays so we are asking you to wait before downloading. We will let you know when the issue is resolved.'
Despite the hiccup, over 150,000 Queenslanders have already successfully downloaded the app.
'We know it’s very popular right now…and that is causing some delays for customers,' Sally Stannard, TMR’s Acting Director General, said.
'But…you’re not going to miss out on a digital licence.'
'We’re asking Queenslanders to be patient and take their time to download it, wait until tomorrow or try later in the week.'
'When you do download it, it’s going to be very helpful for users and for businesses around the state who will be able to easily verify identities.'
The app can also be reportedly used to store other Queensland Government-issued identification cards and even marine licenses.
Furthermore, Queenslanders can use the digital driver’s licence just like a physical one, thanks to the legislation passed in 2020.
But the digital licence will not be replacing the physical licence—it will still be shipped to Queenslanders, who can now safely leave it at home.
The digital licence is available for those holding learner, provisional, or open licences. However, if your name consists only of a single name (i.e. not a first name or surname), you may not be able to get one at this stage.
To ensure the digital safety of users, the app is also encrypted and requires a six-digit code for access.
It is also reportedly accessible even without internet service.
The Queensland Government said it had completed a privacy impact assessment and implemented all recommendations, ensuring the app meets ISO18013-5, an international standard.
You can watch the full video about the digital licence below:
Source: Youtube / TMRQld.
As an added bonus, users can now control the amount of information they share with others. For example, they can show proof of being 18 without revealing their name or address.
The app also has a feature to scan a QR code instead of physically handing your device to another person.
Queensland joins other states, like New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria, in offering its residents a digital driver’s licence option.
Members, what are your thoughts on this latest innovation from the Queensland Government? Would you like your state to have digital licences too? Let us know in the comments below!
While having important identification accessible on your phone may seem novel to many, it offers a lot of benefits in our increasingly digital world.
Designed to ease the process of identity verification, the digital driver’s licence can now be installed simply by downloading the Queensland Digital Licence app from the Apple App Store for iPhones or the Google Play Store for Android devices.
The app was initially only trialled for Fraser Coast and Townsville residents but has now been rolled out across the state.
However, the launch was reportedly marred by delays, prompting the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to issue a statement urging residents to wait before downloading the app.
Queensland launched its digital licence app for its residents. Image source: Youtube / TMRQld.
In a statement, the department shared that—as part of the launch process—they had to conduct a 'larger-scale final test of the app'.
'We were not satisfied with the customer experience in that final check, and so we are adjusting in response to the performance of the testing,' they stated.
'We will be doing further testing to check to validate any changes that we make, and we will keep users informed.'
'Some customers have experienced delays so we are asking you to wait before downloading. We will let you know when the issue is resolved.'
Despite the hiccup, over 150,000 Queenslanders have already successfully downloaded the app.
'We know it’s very popular right now…and that is causing some delays for customers,' Sally Stannard, TMR’s Acting Director General, said.
'But…you’re not going to miss out on a digital licence.'
'We’re asking Queenslanders to be patient and take their time to download it, wait until tomorrow or try later in the week.'
'When you do download it, it’s going to be very helpful for users and for businesses around the state who will be able to easily verify identities.'
The app can also be reportedly used to store other Queensland Government-issued identification cards and even marine licenses.
Furthermore, Queenslanders can use the digital driver’s licence just like a physical one, thanks to the legislation passed in 2020.
But the digital licence will not be replacing the physical licence—it will still be shipped to Queenslanders, who can now safely leave it at home.
The digital licence will not be replacing physical licenses. Image source: Youtube / TMRQld.
The digital licence is available for those holding learner, provisional, or open licences. However, if your name consists only of a single name (i.e. not a first name or surname), you may not be able to get one at this stage.
To ensure the digital safety of users, the app is also encrypted and requires a six-digit code for access.
It is also reportedly accessible even without internet service.
The Queensland Government said it had completed a privacy impact assessment and implemented all recommendations, ensuring the app meets ISO18013-5, an international standard.
You can watch the full video about the digital licence below:
Source: Youtube / TMRQld.
As an added bonus, users can now control the amount of information they share with others. For example, they can show proof of being 18 without revealing their name or address.
The app also has a feature to scan a QR code instead of physically handing your device to another person.
Queensland joins other states, like New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria, in offering its residents a digital driver’s licence option.
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