NSW Digital Driver Licence - What you need to know

The Digital Driver Licence is the digital version of your NSW Driver Licence, and it’s available on the Service NSW App for iOS and Android. Here's what you need to know.

A hand holds a mobile phone with a digital drivers licence showing on the screen

Using a digital driver licence

You can access just about everything on your smartphone these days and that includes a digital version of your driver’s licence. But can you use it the same way as a traditional plastic card? What happens when you have no data? Here's everything you need to know.

What is the Digital Driver Licence (DDL)?

The NSW Digital Driver Licence is a digital version of your NSW Driver Licence. It is available for all driver licence holders in NSW.

How much does the Digital Driver Licence cost?

The Digital Driver Licence is provided to NSW drivers at no additional cost.

How is the Digital Driver Licence different to a regular licence?

The digital licence contains all the same information as your normal licence, including a waratah hologram, but has the additional benefit of producing a unique QR code that can be scanned to verify its legitimacy.

Can the Digital Driver Licence be used for proof-of-age?

Yes, the NSW Digital Driver Licence is accepted by most licensed venues.

Can you access your Digital Driver Licence while driving?

No, it's illegal for motorists to access their Digital Driver Licence when driving or riding, including when stationary, unless they are asked to do so by police or an authorised officer.

What about when there's no data coverage?

The licence remains available even if your device isn’t connected to the internet, as long as you remain logged into the Service NSW app on your device.

Are Digital Driver Licences compulsory?

The digital licence is opt-in, so it's still your choice whether to make the switch. There are also no plans, at this stage, to phase out plastic licences.

Things to keep in mind

It’s important to keep your phone charged and make sure the permit isn’t obscured by cracks on your phone screen, as this could interfere with QR scanners and prevent venues or police from verifying the legitimacy of your ID. Furthermore, the digital licence is updated in real time, so you don’t have to wait for a new card to be sent to you if you change your details or renew your licence.

Get the NSW Digital Driver Licence

To get your Digital Driver Licence you'll need to:

Download the latest version of the Service NSW app to your smartphone
Log into the app with your MyServiceNSW account details and follow the prompts
If you don’t already have a MyServiceNSW account, the app will walk you through the process of obtaining one. If you have issues, call Service NSW on 13 77 88.

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