Thales and Queensland Collaborate on Digital Driver’s Licenses

Thales is collaborating with the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to launch Australia’s first Digital Driver’s License. The smartphone application will make its debut with a 2020 pilot on the Fraser Coast before expanding to the rest of Queensland’s 3.7 million citizens.

The application is built with Gemalto’s Digital ID Wallet, which debuted in August and serves as a digital vault that allows users to securely store and access multiple documents on their smartphone. The Queensland version will be able to hold photo ID cards, Marine Licenses, and vehicle registrations in addition to state driver’s licenses.

The digital driver’s licenses will be compliant with the ISO’s Mobile Driving License Standards, which means the licenses can be accepted as a valid form of identification in more than 18 countries around the world, including the U.S. The app will also be compatible with TMR’s website, allowing Queensland citizens to use the app to gain access to various online services. The utility could eventually expand to include other government services and departments.

Thales formally completed its acquisition of Gemalto in April of 2019. The company has already leveraged Gemalto’s tech for Thailand’s biometric e-passports, as well as a biometric payment card that recently received Mastercard certification.