Data and identity protection for all Victorian licence holders
VicRoads has implemented protections for all Victorian licence holders by loading their additional security number into the national Document Verification Service (DVS)
Having an additional security number and licence/learner permit number creates two unique data sources against your licence/learner permit information and enables a two-step verification process, when completing important financial transactions.
This additional layer of identity protection has already been implemented for customers impacted by the Optus and Latitude data breaches, and the same protections are now in place for all Victorian licence holders.
What is the additional security card number?
The additional security card number on your licence or permit is an extra layer of security that identifies the card that you have been issued.
When a licence is renewed or replaced, the licence number stays the same but the additional security number changes, which prevents previous licence information from being used fraudulently.
Loading additional security numbers into DVS means customers are now required to provide both their licence number and security number as an additional layer of validation, when completing important financial transactions.
Where to find your additional security number
Since November 2022, all Victorian licences/learner permits have been redesigned to make it easier for customers to locate their additional security number on the back of their licence card. More than 4.5 million customers are now also able to view their additional security number in their myVicRoads online account.
Your additional security number can be found on the back of your physical licence either:
- in the top right-hand corner or
- under your year of birth (if your licence was issued prior to November 2022)
You can also access your security number
Please note, for security reasons, we are unable to provide you with your card number over the phone.
How to access your security card number in myVicRoads
- Login or signup to myVicRoads
- Activate two-step verification by following the prompts
- View your additional security number under the Licence (or Learner Permit) section
Your additional security number can also be accessed in your digital driver licence via the myVicRoads app.
What to do if your details are part of a future data breach
If your licence information are impacted as a result of a future data breach, you can order a replacement licence online and have a new, unique security card number automatically generated. Your new number will automatically appear in your myVicRoads account.
Your replacement licence card will be delivered to you within 10 – 15 business days.
You may also be able to claim the cost of replacing your card back from the organisation that caused the data breach.
Update your details
Before you order a replacement licence, please ensure your address details are up to date.
The fastest way to update your details is through your myVicRoads account.
If you don’t have a myVicRoads account, you can sign up today.
If you suspect your details have been used fraudulently you can reach out to ID Care (External link), Australian Cyber Security Centre (External link) or call 1300 CYBER.
What is a card number used for?
Having both a card number and licence/permit number creates two unique data sources against your licence/permit information and enables a two-step verification process which protects against unauthorised use of a driver licence/learner permit for ID purposes.
This means both numbers on a licence/learner permit are required by impacted Optus and Latitude data breach customers to pass a Document Verification Services (DVS) check.
I am applying for a loan (or any application) that requires my driver licence/learner permit to confirm my identity. Can I use my current licence/permit?
Your current licence/learner permit continues to be valid, and you should continue to use your licence/learner permit card and number as usual, including as a form of identification. We recommend you check your credit file to ensure that no unauthorised or mistaken transactions or applications have been made since the data breach took place.
I have recently renewed/applied for a replacement licence and am yet to receive the card in the mail. I have since applied for a loan and the unique card number has been rejected as invalid. What do I do?
When you apply for a renewal/replacement, your unique card number is automatically updated.
If you require the updated card number before your card arrives in the mail, you can access the card number in your myVicRoads account or by visiting a Customer Service Centre. Please note, for security reasons, we are unable to provide you with your card number over the phone.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the DVS?
The Document Verification Service (DVS) (External link) is a national online system, operated via the Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs. It is a secure system that operates 24/7.
The DVS is used by both private and public sector organisations, such as banks and Government departments, to confirm the details of identity documents by matching records held by the government authority issuers such as VicRoads. For example, DVS is used by some banks to verify identity documents such as passports and/or driver licences.
What kind of organisations access the DVS?
Some of the largest users of DVS are state and federal agencies. Any business can opt into DVS, including banks, mortgage providers, credit agencies, phone companies, post-pay companies and identity verification services. For example, government agencies such as the Australian Tax Office, myGov and Services Australia also rely on DVS to assist with verifying customers.
What is a DVS check?
The DVS is an online service used by private and public sector organisations to check the validity of proof of identity documents against the issuing agency.
A VicRoads customer may be asked to provide their driver licence/permit to a third party to prove their identity. This is checked by the third party through the DVS.
Who can access the DVS?
Access to the DVS is available only to authorised Government and business users.
When will my card number be used as part of a DVS check?
The card number and licence number of all Victorian licence and learner permit holders impacted by the Optus data breach have been shared with Federal agencies to provide an additional layer of protection.
Both numbers on the licence/learner permit are required for these customers to pass a Document Verification Service (DVS) check.
My details have not been released by Optus. Do I need to provide a card number as part of a DVS check?
A two-step verification process is in place only for customers impacted by the Optus data breach. All other licence or permit holders are not yet required to enter a card number. We are working with DVS users to introduce this functionality. No date for this broader rollout has yet been set.
Is there anything I need to do to get my card number into the DVS system?
No.
I have been asked to provide my card number as part a DVS identity check. Do I need to supply it to complete the transaction?
Only Victorians who have been impacted by the Optus data breach will need to provide their card number as part of a DVS check. All other Victorians with a licence or permit are not yet required to enter their card number. We are working with DVS users to introduce this functionality. No date for this broader rollout has yet been set. Please work with your financial institution to successfully complete your request.
About the Document Verification Service (DVS)