Yes, drivers should always carry a valid driver's licence when driving.
If your state or territory offers a digital driver's licence, you may be able to present this instead of a physical licence where accepted by local authorities. However, requirements differ between Australian states and territories, particularly when travelling interstate.
To avoid any issues if requested by police or other authorised officers, we recommend carrying the ff:
Your physical driver's licence
Your digital driver's licence (if available in your state or territory).
Travelling interstate
Driver licensing requirements are administered by each state and territory. If you are driving outside your home state, acceptance of digital licences may vary. For this reason, we strongly recommend carrying your physical driver's licence whenever travelling interstate.
Lost your physical licence?
If your physical licence has been lost, stolen, or damaged, contact your local road authority to arrange a replacement as soon as possible. Where available, a valid digital driver's licence may provide temporary proof of your licence status, subject to local regulations and acceptance by enforcement authorities.
Important:
Drivers are responsible for complying with all applicable driver licensing requirements in the state or territory where they are driving.
Driver's licence requirements by state and territory
State/Territory | Physical licence required? | Digital licence available? |
New South Wales (NSW) | Yes. Carry your physical licence as a backup, particularly when travelling interstate. | Yes |
Victoria (VIC) | Yes. Carry your physical licence as a backup, particularly when travelling interstate. | Yes |
Queensland (QLD) | Yes. Carry your physical licence as a backup, particularly when travelling interstate. | Yes |
South Australia (SA) | Yes. Carry your physical licence as a backup, particularly when travelling interstate. | Yes |
Western Australia (WA) | Yes. Carry your physical licence as a backup, particularly when travelling interstate. | No |
Australian Capital Territory (ACT) | Yes. Carry your physical licence as a backup, particularly when travelling interstate. | No |
Northern Territory (NT) | Yes. Carry your physical licence as a backup, particularly when travelling interstate. | No |
Tasmania (TAS) | Yes. Carry your physical licence as a backup, particularly when travelling interstate. | No |
Note: Digital licence availability, acceptance, and interstate recognition may change over time. Drivers should always comply with the requirements of the state or territory in which they are driving and are encouraged to carry their physical driver's license whenever possible.