Victoria’s journey to a fully digital driver licence system began with a small-scale trial in Ballarat in 2023. This pilot program tested the usability, security, and acceptance of a digital licence stored on a smartphone.
Encouraged by its success, the state government launched the service for all full driver licence holders in May 2024. Learner (L-plate) and probationary (P-plate) drivers joined the program in November 2024, making the system accessible to nearly every driver in Victoria.
Key Features of the Digital Licence
The Digital Victorian Driver Licence is available through the Service Victoria and myVicRoads apps. Once activated, it mirrors the details of the physical card but adds real-time updates for changes like address updates, licence conditions, or suspensions. The licence also includes a dynamic QR code that refreshes every couple of minutes, allowing businesses, police, and other authorities to verify its authenticity instantly.
A hologram-style animation adds a visual security layer, although cybersecurity experts note it’s a simulated effect rather than a physical hologram. Regardless, it helps deter simple screenshot fraud attempts and signals legitimacy to those checking the licence.
Adoption Numbers and Growth
Since the official launch, the uptake has been rapid. By May 2025 just one year after going live more than 1.8 million Victorians had adopted the digital licence, with an average of 35,000 new activations each week.
| Licence Category | Digital Access Start Date | Activated by May 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Full Licence Holders | May 2024 | ~1.5 million |
| Learner & Probationary | November 2024 | ~323,000 |
| Total Users | ~1.8 million |
Benefits for Drivers
The digital licence offers convenience, as it can be used to prove identity, age, and driving credentials without needing a wallet. Security is enhanced through app-based biometric authentication, making it harder to misuse if a phone is lost or stolen.
Challenges and Considerations
While practical, the system isn’t perfect. A phone with a flat battery or without internet access may prevent drivers from presenting their licence. Authorities recommend carrying a physical card as a backup especially when travelling interstate or in areas with poor mobile coverage. Some other states have even issued fines to drivers unable to produce a licence due to dead phones, so caution is advised.
Looking Ahead
By August 2025, the digital licence is firmly established as part of Victoria’s identity system. As technology improves, more features such as integration with other government IDs and cross-state compatibility are expected, further streamlining the way Victorians prove who they are.