DRIVERS are set to have access to digital driving licences by 2019 according to Minister for Finance, Services and Property Dominic Perrottet.
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It comes as the digital Recreational Fishing Fee (fishing licence), Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and Responsible Conduct of Gambling (RCG) competency cards were launched on November 13.
Mr Perrottet said the new records marked a quantum leap in government technology.
“NSW is leading the nation in government technology, and the number one reason is that we are determined to offer the best services to make life easier for the people of NSW,” Mr Perrottet said.
Digital licences are optional and physical licence cards will remain available for all licence holders.
Port Macquarie-Hastings region residents have voices their views through social media.
One motorist has raised the concern of identity theft.
“(What happens if you) lose the phone, get hacked or misplace it?,” she said.
Another said it would be convenient being able to access records digitally and similar to having your health card or bank card available digitally.
“So much fear,” one man said.
“They're already digital, just like your registration, tax liabilities, bank accounts etc. There will obviously still be ID cards.”
Mr Perrottet said digital licences are easily accessible, safe and secure, and it’s one less thing to stuff in your wallet.
Security, he said has been paramount in developing the digital licence platform, which uses multi-tiered security features similar to phone banking.
Digital licences can be sighted just like physical licences, and authorities can also verify whether a digital licence is current or has conditions by using a purpose-built checker app.
Users who choose to carry only a digital version of their licence must ensure their device remains charged and accessible.
However digital licences can be accessed on another smartphone or tablet by securely signing into the Service NSW App.
For more information or to download the Service NSW app, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au