Drivers Could Soon Store Licences & WoFs On Phones

A new bill paving the way for New Zealand motorists to carry digital versions of their driver’s licences, warrants of fitness (WoFs), and certificates of fitness has started its passage through Parliament, 1News reported last week. 

If passed, the legislation would allow Kiwis the option of keeping their licence either in their wallet or on their smartphone. Under current law, drivers must carry a physical licence when behind the wheel.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the move as “common sense,” noting that New Zealanders already use digital wallets widely for purchases. Transport Minister Chris Bishop told 1News many people had been calling for digital licences, and the law was being updated to reflect that. He cautioned, however, that rolling out digital licences would take time, adding that New Zealand would be among the first countries globally to adopt the technology and therefore needed to ensure it was done correctly.

Digital driver’s licences are already in use in Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and several US states.

Regulatory Systems Bill Introduced

The change is part of the Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Bill, introduced last week by Associate Transport Minister James Meager. The bill seeks to modernise New Zealand’s transport legislation across land, aviation, and maritime sectors, and expand the legal definition of a driver’s licence to include both electronic and physical formats.

Meager said digital licences could be used beyond driving, such as when proving identity at ports or at hospitality venues. He emphasised that physical licences would remain available for those unable to access digital technology.

The bill also aims to replace paper-based WoFs, certificates of fitness, and alternative fuel inspection certificates with digital versions. Meager said registration stickers were “just annoying” and a waste of resources, noting that NZTA spent nearly $17 million a year on printing and postage for about 14 million items. He argued the change would modernise the system and reduce costs.

Timeline and Implementation

Bishop said the measures were expected to take effect by the middle of next year, with the Government Chief Digital Officer, NZTA, and the Ministry of Transport working together to ensure licences could be stored and used on smartphones once the law change was complete.

The bill passed its first reading with support from all six parties in the House.

Opposition Reaction

Labour’s transport spokesperson Tangi Utikere welcomed the move but stressed the need to safeguard motorists’ privacy. Labour MP Camilla Belich questioned how digital licences would interact with existing laws prohibiting phone use while driving. She noted that situations could arise where drivers were asked to present their licence on a phone but were technically barred from handling their device while in control of a vehicle.