NSW Digital Driver Licence guide

Here's how you can get your free digital driver's licence.

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By

Ben Gribbin

Updated

NSW road users can now create a Digital Driver Licence (DDL), for free. This guide tells you what you need to know.

Everything you need to know about the NSW Digital Driver Licence

Why set up a digital driver's licence?

  • It's free. You don't have to pay anything to get your DDL.
  • It updates in real time. Address and detail changes are updated in real time. When you renew your licence, you don't need to wait for a plastic card to arrive in the post.
  • It's widely accepted. You can show your phone as proof of ID or age at many different venues.
  • It has a QR code. This makes scanning a breeze for licence checkers.
  • Sign in to registered clubs. Some venues will let you use the temporary membership feature to sign in to registered clubs.
  • It's secure. Premier Gladys Berejiklian told the press that she was confident it was "completely secure". In addition to any cyber safeguards put in place by Service NSW, the app is also protected by your phone's in-built safety features.
  • It shows you other driving info. The app also contains your demerit points and any fines you've received.
  • It works offline. As long as you stay signed in to the app, it will work where there's no Internet available.
  • It takes some of the hassle out of life. At the press launch event, Berejiklian explained how the app is designed to "make life easier" for citizens of NSW.

How to set-up a NSW Digital Driver Licence

Service NSW app
1. Download the Service NSW app. You'll find it on the App Store and the Google Play marketplace. The minimum supported operating systems are iOS12 or Android 6.x (Marshmallow).

How to sign-up for a NSW Digital Driving Licence

2. Log in. You'll need a MyServiceNSW account, connected to Roads in order to access your digital licence.

NSW Digital Driver's Licence sign-up process

3. Follow the on-screen prompts.

NSW Digital Driver's Licence

4. Use your digital licence.

This video from Service NSW guides you through the process.

Cautions for using a DDL

Though the NSW Police, pubs and other places will accept your digital licence as an official form of identification, there are a few things you must be aware of:

  • As you know, it is illegal to handle a mobile phone while driving. Transport for NSW also states it is illegal to access your digital licence, even when parked unless a police offer asks to see it. Wait until directed to do so, rather than presuming the officer will ask to see it.
  • Service NSW has a warning for drivers. It says you must ensure your device's screen is not cracked and that the battery is charged. If your phone is damaged, it could be refused. If it's flat, obviously your licence is no longer accessible. Consequently, you should always carry your plastic card with you, especially when travelling in other states or abroad. Having the card as a backup will also be handy should you lose your phone (unless you have a wallet case). Failing to present your licence can result in a penalty.
  • It might not work the first time. In our experience, QR code scanners need you to turn up the brightness or adjust the angle of your device occasionally.
  • It might not be recognised in other states and territories.

Places you can use your DDL

Many businesses should recognise DDLs, though Service NSW points out it might take a while before venues universally accept them. That includes hotels and petrol stations.

Anywhere you might need to prove your age (to purchase alcohol or tobacco products for example), should accept them as a legal form of ID.

What to do if asked to handover your licence?

As this video shows, showing your licence is as easy as using a plastic card.

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Ben Gribbin is an experienced automotive writer and life-long car enthusiast with a passion for restoring classic vehicles. He brings many years of experience working with and writing about cars to Finder. See full bio

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