Western Sydney and Blue Mountains motorists are the first to benefit from a major upgrade to the NSW Digital Driver Licence to improve security and convenience.
The NSW Government is investing $11.5 million this year in NSW digital identity enhancements, including a pilot of the Digital Driver Licence upgrade ahead of a planned statewide rollout next year.
The technology is now being tested with licensed clubs and venues, with Panthers Penrith Leagues Club among the first to roll out the upgrade with visitors.
The licence upgrade delivers stronger security and smarter sharing, putting motorists firmly in control of their personal information. The update meets the latest international standards and with new security features makes it harder for someone else to misuse the licence holder’s identity.
Customers in the pilot can use their upgraded licence in their Service NSW app to generate a secure QR code to enter a participating registered club. With the customer’s consent, only the information required is shared with the venue, giving people greater control over their personal details.
Venues then scan the code for an instant proof of age confirmation – without the customer needing to hand over additional personal information.
More than 19,000 Western Sydney and Blue Mountains residents have already signed up to be ready to use the upgraded Digital Driver Licence.
Over the past 12 months, more than seven million people signed into pubs and clubs across the state, and 73,000 people on ANZAC Day alone.
Motorists in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains can register to upgrade their licence as part of the pilot via the Service NSW app.
More information about the digital driver licence upgrade is available at the Service NSW website.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:
“This important investment by the Minns Labor Government gives communities in Western Sydney the first look at upgraded Service NSW digital infrastructure, as we mark another step towards a more secure digital future for NSW.
“The next generation of the digital licence is here, and we’re looking forward to people across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains taking part in the first release to help inform a wider rollout.
“This upgrade puts NSW motorists back in the driver’s seat when it comes to managing their personal information. The individual selects the information to be shared rather than the current practice of sharing too many personal details.
“We are building better services for the people of NSW and helping people safeguard their identity with stronger protections against fraud and misuse.
“The technology is safe and contactless, making it easier to sign in to venues and enjoy more time with friends and family on the other side of check-in.”
Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
“This is the next step in modernising the driver licence, by making it easier to use while also securing people’s personal details.
“Our work modernises the driver licence, keeping pace with technology and lifting it to the latest international standards.
“We’re giving motorists a better way to prove their identity, with stronger protections and less need to hand over their personal information.
“As more people choose digital services, we’re making sure the driver licence keeps pace with technology and gives motorists more confidence when they use it.”
Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:
“For Penrith residents and the wider Western Sydney community, this trial is about making everyday interactions simpler, safer and more secure.
“Whether you’re heading out locally or visiting one of our participating venues, the upgraded digital driver licence gives you a convenient way to prove your age without having to share more personal information than necessary.
“This $11.5 million investment is delivering practical technology that puts greater control of personal information in the hands of the people who use it.”
ClubsNSW CEO Rebecca Riant said:
“We commend Minister Dib and the NSW Government for this initiative, which will streamline entry to registered clubs while giving patrons greater control over the personal information they share.
“Clubs are required by law to verify details such as whether a person is aged 18 or over, and this upgrade will allow them to meet those obligations while better protecting the privacy of patrons.”
