Local drivers can now use a Digital Driver's Licence (DDL) on their smartphone for proof of identity, proof of age and at roadside police checks.
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The statewide rollout was offically announced yesterday following successful trials in Dubbo, Albury and Sydney's Eastern Beaches.
"More than 550,000 people have already downloaded the digital licence, with 97 per cent giving it the thumbs up," Premier Berejiklian said.
In fact, so many tried to download the feature on Tuesday when the site went live that it suffered from an outage under the immense load.
"We're a little busy," the app told users who tried to sign up. "Many people are loading their digital licences right now. Please try again."
But the Government is sure those kinks have now been ironed out.
The Digital Driver's Licence has inbuilt security controls to protect customer's personal information.
"The DDL is hosted securely on the new Service NSW app, locks with a PIN and can be accessed offline. It will provide additional levels of security and protection against identity fraud, compared to the plastic driver licence," Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said.
"We are working closely with business and industry to have them come on board and accept the DDL. This includes nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, petrol stations, supermarkets, convenience stores and tobacco retailers. Watch this space."
Drivers who opt-in are encouraged to carry their plastic licence in the initial stages.
For more information about how to recognise and accept the DDL visit https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/digital-driver-licence
To get a DDL, licence holders will need to create a MyServiceNSW Account at www.service.nsw.gov.au and download the Service NSW mobile app on their smartphone. The DDL will always be opt-in only.
