Digital driver licences could be coming to New Zealand next year

New Zealand motorists may soon have the option to present their driver licence through a screen rather than with a card thanks to a new smartphone app from Waka Kotahi.

The transport agency told 1News in September that the app is still in development and won’t replace physical licences outright, instead becoming an option just like how mobile debit cards work.

In addition to digital licences, NZTA’s app will allow Kiwi motorists to manage important information about their vehicles, including registration and Warrant of Fitness (WoF) details.

Waka Kotahi added that users will also be able to make payments through the app for things like road user charges, toll road use, and more.

An expected launch date is set for mid-2024, while the digital licence feature will follow a few years later as it will require changes to be made to legislation.

Our cousins across the ditch in Australia are however a few steps ahead of us, with Queensland just becoming the third state to introduce digital licenses, joining New South Wales and South Australia.

The Aussie version shows everything you’d find on a physical licence, including the holder’s photograph, date of birth, and more, and can be shared with third parties via a time-sensitive QR code.

However, one of the major concerns that many people will have on their minds is security. In order to keep personal information private, the app requires users to enter a six-digit code to access their details.

While we can’t comment on how Waka Kotahi’s digital licences will work, we assume it’ll follow a similar formula.