NSW digital licence trial

NSW digital licence trial aims to limit personal data sharing

A NSW trial lets eligible Western Sydney and Blue Mountains residents prove their age at four clubs using a QR code that shares less personal information.

Photo: Service NSW

A new digital licence trial will allow NSW drivers to prove their age at selected clubs without showing staff their full licence, including personal details such as their home address.

The upgraded licence aims to deliver stronger personal security and lets eligible users generate a QR code in the Service NSW app. With the user’s consent, a participating venue scans the code to confirm they are old enough to enter, sharing only the information needed for that check.

Woman at entry to nsw service club talking to host

The pilot is initially available to residents of Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. Four venues are accepting the QR code: Panthers Penrith Rugby Leagues Club, Riverstone Schofield’s Memorial Club, Rosehill Bowling Club and Club Blacktown.

Eligible residents can check for an option to register by opening their Digital Driver Licence in the Service NSW app. The government says more than 19,000 people in the two regions have already signed up to be ready to use the upgrade.

This upgrade puts NSW motorists back in the driver’s seat when it comes to managing their personal information. The individual selects the information to be shared rather than the current practice of sharing too many personal details.

— Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib

The trial is part of an $11.5 million investment in digital identity enhancements this year. A statewide rollout is planned for 2027.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said the upgrade gave motorists more control over the personal information they shared and added protections against identity fraud and misuse.

Hand holding phone with privacy message showing

ClubsNSW chief executive Rebecca Riant said clubs had to verify whether patrons were 18 or over, and the technology could help them meet that requirement while better protecting patrons’ privacy.

The government says more than seven million people signed into pubs and clubs across NSW in the past 12 months, including 73,000 on Anzac Day.

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