Queensland Plans All-in-One Digital ID App as License Adoption Lags

Queensland’s Customer Services Minister, Steve Minnikin, has advocated for a one-stop digital application where residents can conveniently access all their government licences and permits, aiming to increase the adoption rate of digital ID solutions in the state.

Despite an investment exceeding $50 million and launching over a year ago, Queensland’s digital licence app has struggled to attract users, with ABC News reporting that four out of five motorists have yet to download it. Only around 827,000 drivers—about 20 percent of licence holders—have adopted the app, highlighting a gap in engagement with the new technology.

Minister Minnikin acknowledged to ABC News that the existing app was “a little bit clunky” to download and expressed a vision for an integrated platform, enabling users to handle licences, permits, blue cards, and even government vouchers all in one place. Minnikin emphasized the goal was simplicity, stating, “Just make it seamless, pleasurable, and quick.”

Queensland is looking at NSW’s successful Service NSW app as a model, which provides similar services including digital licence management, vehicle registration, and other government interactions.

Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) has allocated $52.9 million over three years to develop and enhance the current digital licence app. Beyond driver’s licences, approximately 150,000 marine licences and 51,145 photo ID cards have also been digitally issued. TMR continues efforts to promote and improve the app, with ongoing developments to its functionality and design.

Meanwhile, a recent ABI Research report highlighted the Queensland Digital Licence app as a potential global blueprint, praising its collaborative approach, user feedback integration, and adherence to international standards. The report underscored the significance of aligning with ISO standards and emphasized the importance of educating stakeholders, including law enforcement, to ensure smooth adoption and trust in digital identity technologies.

Sources: ABC News, Thales

—
March 21, 2025 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team