A transition from plastic to digital licensing will take place over the next four years in NSW if the Coalition government is re-elected.
The state’s minister for finance and services Dominic Perrottet said there are more than 123 different types of licences in NSW.
“We will target digital formats for a range of common licences, including NSW photo cards, boat and fishing licences, and eventually drivers’ licences. Over time, this means that citizens will not need to carry around multiple licences in their wallets,” he said in a statement.
Over 2.8 million plastic cards are issued each year, costing the government “tens of millions of dollars” in printing, added Perrottet.
People will be asked if they want to have a digital licence on an opt-in basis. Plastic licences will continue to be available.
A spokesperson said the NSW government is looking at a range of options including a smartphone app which would contain the digital licence.
The government’s Digital Council will develop a roadmap for taking all licences digital and work through a range of security and regulatory considerations. The council includes members of NSW Police, Roads and Maritime Services, Office of Finance and Services and Service NSW.
“This is all about offering our citizens choice and convenience,” said Perrottet. “People expect to transact with government online, when they want and how they want – and we intend to meet those expectations.”
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