Queensland’s Transport and Main Roads has signed a contract with the ANZ branch of a French multinational company to continue the delivery of the state’s new Digital Licence App. The new app has been developed by the company in partnership with two Queensland-based SMEs. It has been designed to comply with the ISO-18013-5 Mobile Driver Licence Standard, allowing the state’s digital driver licences to be recognised and used worldwide.
Under the extended agreement, the company will build on its successful pilot with residents of the Fraser Coast in 2020 to introduce further functionality before working with the department to make the app available to other regions before rolling it out statewide.
As well as driver’s licences, the app will initially incorporate marine licences and proof of age cards. The agreement leaves open the option to expand to other state government credentials and services in the future, according to the CEO of the ANZ branch of the company. He noted that the company is excited that over 3.9 million Queenslanders will soon be able to access the Digital ID Wallet via the Digital Licence App, proudly developed in partnership with TMR and the two aforementioned Queensland SMEs.
Source: Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Government Website
The solution provides the people of Queensland with complete control over their personal data and the freedom to decide exactly what information to share, with whom, and when, in the convenience of a mobile app that can also act as a gateway to government services.
The Digital Licence app allows Queenslanders to securely and easily store their driver licences, photo identification cards and recreational marine licences digitally on their mobile devices.
In the future, it is expected that additional Department of Transport and Main Roads credentials will be added. However, the Digital Licence is being developed and is not yet widely available.
The way a driver’s licence is used has changed from when they were first introduced in 1910. Not only is it an official document that allows one to drive, but it is also now widely accepted as a form of identification at places such as banks, pubs and clubs, pharmacies and car rental agencies. The Digital Licence will provide a better and safer way for Queenslanders to validate their identity digitally.
The Digital Licence provides a range of benefits:
Security
The app will include extra security features to ensure user data is protected against cybercrimes and theft. For example, if a person loses their phone anyone finding it will have to bypass device security (if enabled) then the security features protecting the digital licence.
Privacy
Users will be able to determine what information they share with others. For example, if a user needs to prove their age, the licence will allow the person checking to see the photo and confirm the age, but not see the user’s name or where they live. Users control what information is shared depending on the circumstances.
To ensure that the Digital Licence App meets stringent privacy standards, TMR undertook a Privacy Impact Assessment. All recommendations in the assessment will be implemented.
Convenience
Users will be able to access and update their contact details and receive notifications when their licence renewal is due. Even without phone service, credentials will still be available. Any changes to the licence will be updated in the app (when connected to the internet).
Digital Licence trial
The Digital Licence was trialled in the Fraser Coast region during 2020. TMR is now heading to Townsville for the next stage of its trial, then rolling out to the rest of Queensland in 2023.
Digital Licence safety
The Digital Licence will be encrypted and user information will be stored safely. Users will be able to choose whom they share information with – when, where and how they need to. It will also enable businesses to validate a licence digitally so that people can have confidence that the Digital Licence presented is genuine.
