NSW to see digital driver's licences two years after South Australia. Source: Getty

In yesterday’s New South Wales state budget announcement, state treasurer, Dominc Perrottet, said NSW residents would soon be able to opt for digital driver’s licences.

“After successful trials in key locations – New South Wales drivers will be the first in the country to have the choice of a digital driver’s licence from August this year,” Perrottet said.

Over 14,000 drivers had already taken part in trials across Dubbo, Albury, and Sydney’s eastern suburbs, and according to the NSW Government - they were successful.

In announcing the trials, Minister for Customer Service, Victor Dominello, said smartphones had become de facto wallets, so hosting licences on smartphones via the Service NSW app was a logical step.

Currently, those on the digital licence trial still need to carry their licence, but as the licences are rolled out state-wide later this year, drivers will be allowed to carry and use just the app.

Will NSW really be the first state to use digital licences?

While Perrottet’s claim that NSW would be the first state to roll out digital licences sounded convincing, it is in fact, false.

Back in 2017, South Australia rolled out digital licences for drivers in the state.

While the state still uses physical licences, drivers, real estate agents, tradespeople and boaters have had the option to use digital alternatives for almost two years via the mySA Gov app.

What are other states doing?

Queensland will be piloting trials of a “digital wallet” later this year, SBS reported.

According to the Queensland Department of Transport, the pilot trials will include learner licences, photo identification cards and recreational marine licences.

Victoria has been testing the technology for proof of age since 2017, but is yet to roll out the initiative state-wide.

And, while Western Australia reportedly floated the idea back in 2016, but hasn’t made any moves, Tasmania and the Northern Territory haven’t pushed to go digital.

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