Digital driver’s licence and WOF due mid-2026
Words/Images NZ Autocar
The Government is looking at making driver’s licences, and warrants/certificates of fitness available on motorists’ cell phones.
The concept is that motorists would have the option of carrying their licence in their wallets or on their phones. Physical licences would always be optional as the Government knew some had issues accessing technology.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said that digital driver’s licences are a “common sense thing”.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop said the option to have a digital driver’s licence was something many had pushed for.
“So we’re updating the law to allow this to happen.
“Given New Zealand will be among the first in the world to implement digital driver licences, we need to make sure we get it right”.
Digital licences are currently available in Denmark, Iceland, Norway and in several US states.
The Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Bill was supported at first reading by all six parties in the House. It aims to expand the definition of a driver’s licence to include both electronic and physical versions.
The bill also allowed for a shift away from paper-based warrants/certificates of fitness and alternative fuel inspection certificates. It will eliminate the postage requirement for notices and fees, meaning a major cost saving for the NZTA on postage bills.
Bishop said the changes made through the legislation will take place by the middle of next year.
