The NSW government is trialling a huge change to driver’s licences designed to protect motorists’ privacy by keeping their personal details under wraps when the document is used as a form of ID. Under the program, digital licences can be presented using a QR code to keep sensitive information safe from prying eyes.

For example, drivers who get asked for identification at a pub or club can reveal their age and nothing else by providing the QR code for scanning instead of handing over a card showing strangers details like their address and exact date of birth. 

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They can also use a government app to generate QR codes themselves and customise the level of information that gets shared when the code is scanned. The $11.5 million trial is currently only open to residents in western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, and at the time of writing only four venues are able to accept the upgraded digital licence.

“This upgrade puts NSW motorists back in the driver’s seat when it comes to managing their personal information,” said Jihad Dib, the NSW Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government.

“The individual selects the information to be shared rather than the current practice of sharing too many personal details … The technology is safe and contactless, making it easier to sign in to venues.

“The update meets the latest international standards and with new security features makes it harder for someone else to misuse the licence holder’s identity.”

Motorists who want to check whether they are eligible to be part of the trial can do so by opening their digital driver’s licence in the Service NSW app. A statewide rollout of the technology is planned for next year, and Dib said more than 19,000 people have already signed up.

“This is the next step in modernising the driver’s licence by making it easier to use while also securing people’s details. We’re giving motorists a better way to prove their identity, with stronger protections,” said NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison.