Queensland residents can now access their driver's licences via their smartphones.

The state government has officially launched digital driver's licences statewide, following successful regional trials.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey says the app has gone through extensive privacy and security testing, and that the government collaborated with other states to learn from their digital licence app developments, positioning Queensland's Digital Licence app as a benchmark for Australia and beyond.

Despite the digital advancement, residents must still renew their physical licences and identification cards when they expire, with identical fees. 

However, the digital licence offers the convenience of leaving the physical card at home and using the digital version for official identification, including access to pubs, clubs, car rentals, or parcel pick-ups.

The app requires users to create a Queensland Digital Identity, using verification documentation like their physical licence or passport.

Once established, users can access their digital licence through the app on their mobile devices. The app also accommodates state government-issued photo ID cards and marine licences. The app is encrypted, requiring a six-digit code for access.

Before the statewide launch, the technology underwent trials in Townsville and on the Fraser Coast. 

While Queensland now joins other states in offering digital licences, the rollout has encountered glitches and delays. 

The government has encouraged residents to wait until technical issues are resolved before downloading the Digital Licence app. Some users have reported receiving error messages.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has asked for patience during the initial busy launch period, acknowledging that the app's popularity is causing delays. 

Still, Acting Director General Sally Stannard is urging Queenslanders to download the app at their convenience.

The Townsville trial, initially scheduled for late 2022, was delayed to April 2023 due in part to increased demand for security testing following data breaches at Optus and Medibank.

Queensland now joins New South Wales and South Australia in offering digital licences, while Victoria is set to implement the technology in 2024.