Digital licences launch in NSW

Residents of NSW are now able to download the first ever digital licences on their smartphones and tablets.

The recreational fishing fee (fishing licence), Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) competency cards are available via the ‘My Licences’ digital wallet on the Service NSW app.

“If you carry a smartphone in your pocket and you’re looking forward to a wallet-free future, digital licences make so much sense — they’re easily accessible, safe and secure, and it’s one less thing to stuff in your wallet,” said Dominic Perrottet, Minister for Finance, Services and Property.

“You can renew your licence and update your details with the click of a button, and there’s no need to visit a Service NSW centre or wait for something in the post. It’s all about saving time and making life easier, and these three licences are just the beginning.”

This technology is paving the way for digital driver licences by 2019. However, digital licences are strictly optional, with physical licence cards to remain available for all licence holders.

Security has been paramount in developing the digital licence platform, which uses multitiered security features similar to phone banking. Licence data is securely stored in the user’s MyServiceNSW account, housed in the NSW Government’s data centre, GovDC.

The digital platform also offers more control and autonomy for customers, allowing them to view when their licence was checked, update their account and view licence details.

Digital licences can be sighted just like physical licences, and authorities can also verify whether a digital licence is current or has conditions using a purpose-built checker app.

While users who choose to carry only a digital version of their licence must ensure their device remains charged and accessible, digital licences can be accessed on another smartphone or tablet by securely signing into the Service NSW App.

To find out more about digital licences, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au.