A new service developed by Austroads is set to standardise the digital verification systems of each Australian jurisdiction to align with international best practice. 

The Digital Trust Service (DTS) delivers national and international “harmonisation” of digital drivers’ licences standards and verification purposes, enabling them to be ISO [International Organisation for Standardization] compliant.

Austroads, the association of Australian and New Zealand transport agencies across all levels of government, said it expects new ISO-compliant mobile drivers’ licences that are consistent across all Australian states and territories and internationally to be released in 2025 and 2026.

Dr Geoff Allan, chief executive of Austroads, said the nation-wide solution seeks to “safely, securely and reliably” support the network of organisations that use drivers’ licences to verify personal details about individuals.

“It seeks to solve complex credential challenges. Currently states and territories do not use a common standard. Fragmentation between states leaves Australians more open to security and road safety risks,” Allan said.

“The Digital Trust Service seeks to harmonise all digital drivers licences across Australia, ensuring that they can be verified regardless of the jurisdiction or location within Australia or New Zealand and even verified in North America and the European Union.”

The DTS was also collaborated on with international experts with the support of other nations’ and states’ transport agencies including France and the United States. Austroads confirmed all government agencies in Australia have been working together to support a “cohesive rollout of mobile drivers licences” through the DTS.

“The Digital Trust Service brings together the experience and learnings of the equivalent systems in North America and Europe. It brings global best practices that support safety, security, inclusion, reliability, and interoperability,” Ian Grossman, President and CEO of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA), said.

“It has shown the power of collaboration on a global scale to deliver better outcomes domestically and internationally.”

“As one of the first jurisdictions in the world to develop a digital driver licence, the NSW Government is excited to be partnering with Austroads to develop the Digital Trust Service,” the Hon. John Graham MLC, Minister for Roads, New South Wales, said.

“This will ensure NSW continues to be a leading partner in international identity and credential verification.”

‘Western Australia is excited to be involved in developing this world class system that enables safe and secure verification of identity, not just in WA but across the world,” the Hon. David Michael MLA, Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, Western Australia, said.

“I would like to acknowledge the collaboration between Austroads, the WA Department of Transport and the other jurisdictions which has enabled significant progress in the important digital transformation space.”