Queensland licences one step closer to going digital

Queenslanders can expect to go digital with their drivers licence next year, with a contract to deliver the Digital Licence App to Queenslanders now signed. 

The announcement follows a successful trial of the app in the Fraser Coast in 2020.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said Thales Australia & New Zealand would finalise the development and delivery of the app, which would be rolled out across the state next year.

“Queensland is modernising it’s approach to licencing, as we progress with the development of a Digital Licence App that will hit Queensland phones next year,” Mr Bailey said.

“The Fraser Coast trial was a resounding success, with users reporting a 94 per cent satisfaction rating during the testing.

“This gives us confidence that we’re on the right track to ensuring the smooth and successful roll out of the Digital Licence App across the state.

“What we’re doing here is creating a modern, innovative solution that adopts international best-practice solutions and has the privacy of data front of mind.”

Mr Bailey said the next stage of the roll out would see the Digital Licence App trialled in the Townsville region later this year.

“The app is being upgraded based on feedback from the Fraser Coast pilot, as well as adding new functionality and options to make sure we are meeting the needs of the people who use it,” he said.

“It’s exciting for Townsville to be the first major town to trial this new technology, covering a larger area and more diverse population than previous testing.”

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said this was an innovative and new way of doing things.

“It’s great to be trialling this in Townsville and it means people will have one less thing to carry if they’re exploring our backyard,” Mr Stewart said.

Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said he hoped people in the city would embrace the technology.

“Technology is continually changing and making things like this possible which just gives people more flexibility,” Mr Walker said.

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said the way people use their licences today is different from when they were introduced more than 100 years ago in paper format.

“This trial in Townsville is about giving people a choice and more flexibility which is important as digital technology continues to evolve,” Mr Harper said.

Mr Bailey said the Digital Licence App would comply with an international standard, which means Queenslanders would be able to use it around Australia and overseas.

"A new standard for mobile driving licences was published in 2021, and our app will comply with this standard, giving Queenslanders greater freedom and convenient options to use their Digital Licence when travelling," Minister Bailey said.

"We have involved customers and user testing at every phase of the project, from the initial planning and development, through trials and testing, and on to the final roll-out.

“I’m pleased that the development of the app will also strengthen the Queensland information technology and innovation sector, with Thales collaborating with Brisbane-based app development firms Aliva and Code Heroes.

“Thales' combined bid with Code Heroes and Aliva means we can continue to adopt international best-practice solutions, while also showcasing Queensland's technology sector to the world."

Thales Australia & New Zealand CEO Chris Jenkins said Thales was excited to continue their partnership with the Queensland Government to deliver the digital licence.

“This solution is an Australia-first, meeting the International Mobile Driver Licence Standard ISO 18013-5, which was published last year. This will allow the state’s digital driver licences to be recognised and used all over the world," Mr Jenkins said.

For more information, visit the Digital Licence App website: www.qld.gov.au/digitallicence.

MEDIA CONTACT: Courtney Thompson - 0433 585 570