Northern Territory to introduce digital driver's licences

The Northern Territory government has introduced the Motor Vehicles Amendment (Digital Licences) Bill 2026 to establish a legal framework for digital driver's licences. The initiative aims to allow eligible residents to carry and display a secure digital version of their licence on smartphones by the end of the year.

Minister for Corporate and Digital Development Joshua Burgoyne stated that the digital licence will be used to prove driving authority, confirm individuals are over 18, and verify identity in participating situations. The service will be optional and designed to function even without mobile data coverage.

While the digital system will be built to internationally recognised standards, the government continues to encourage residents to carry physical cards when travelling interstate or overseas as national cross-border recognition arrangements are still being developed.