Digital licences rolled out for most Victorians – but not for everyone

The trials have been completed and the wait is over. All full Victorian drivers can now access their digital licence details from the My VicRoads or Service Victoria smartphone app.

Victorians can use the digital licence as proof of age or identification at stores, clubs and other venues, and in terms of needing to access your phone in the event of a traffic stop, Victoria Police told Drive fully-licensed drivers don't need to physically carry their card.

However, it is still recommended because if the smartphone isn't working at the time it is considered an offence – unless you have a reasonable excuse – and you'll be hit with a $192 fine.

Additionally, a person who fails to produce their driver's licence when requested must bring it to the police station specified by the police officer within seven days.

The change will apply to L- and P-plate licences from next year, but even when digital licences are available to these groups, drivers still legally need to carry their physical licence on them when they're behind the wheel.

Drivers with an existing VicRoads account should see their licence automatically added to the My VicRoads app home screen.

Alternatively, you can add your licence to the Service Victoria app as part of your digital wallet. Note that in order to do so, you need to validate your identity using existing ‘physical’ documents, like your passport or driver licence.

The digital licence includes the VicRoads file photo, key address and identity information, plus a clever digital hologram and ‘decaying’ QR code that helps prevent fraudulent activity by way of screenshots or captured images.

Note that while many smartphones include an integrated ‘wallet’ application to store other transactional cards, this feature is not available for the Victorian driver licence and the digital licence must be accessed via either the Service Victoria or Vic Roads apps.

Oh, and as I'm sure someone will ask, the 'P' is for 'Patrick'.