Push for digital driver’s licences
The government has introduced a bill to allow digital driver’s licences, warrants of fitness and certificates of fitness, which it says will save the NZTA millions of dollars.
The Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Bill aims to create a framework for officials to develop a system that allows people to have those items in a physical form or stored on their cellphones.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says digital driver’s licences are a “common sense thing” with people already using digital wallets to buy products and services, reports 1News.
Digital licences are already available in Denmark, Iceland, Norway and a number of US states.
James Meager, Associate Minister of Transport, introduced the bill to parliament and stressed going high-tech will be a choice for individuals.
“Digital driver licences will not be mandatory,” he says. “[The bill] provides the structure to put it in place, and manual driver licences or physical driver licences will always be available, because we are concerned and considerate of the access and technology issues that do arise.”
Meanwhile, it is hoped changing the paper-based warrant and registration system for vehicles to a digital one will modernise the system and eliminate the requirement for notices and fees to be posted out.
“The NZTA spent nearly $17 million a year in March on printing and postage for about 14 million items,” explains Meager, pictured.
“This will go a significant way to reducing that time and resource. Again, this will be an option, so it will be an option for you to receive those notices by electronic means.
“Those who still require it physically and by the post will be able to do so.”
The bill tackles other pieces of land transport, aviation and maritime legislation, including giving the NZTA the power to proactively close state highways in times of emergency or where there are threats to life or safety.
It passed its first reading on August 19 and will now be considered by the transport and infrastructure select committee, which is due to report back to the house on February 19, 2026.
