Cards and card numbers

Victorian driver licences/learner permits are changing to incorporate a unique licence card number which adds an additional layer of protection on your licence. 

What is a licence/learner permit card number?

A licence/learner permit card number is unique number that identifies the card that you have been issued.

While your licence/learner permit number remains unchanged for the time you hold a licence/learner permit, your card number changes each time the physical card is replaced. This will include when you renew your licence, or it needs to be replaced if stolen or lost.

Having both a card number and licence/learner permit number creates two unique data sources against your licence/learner permit information and enables a two-step verification process. This is an additional layer of protection for all Victorians and brings us into line with other states and territories.

Using the card number as an additional data point will be familiar to many, much like when using the number on the back of your credit card for online transactions.

From November 2022, a new driver/learner permit card that prominently features both a card number and licence/learner permit number will be issued to all customers impacted by the Optus data breach, and to all newly issued, replaced, and renewed driver licences and learner permits.

Your unique card number will be at the top right-hand corner on the back of your card. 

View sample licences and card numbers

How do I access my card number online?

Customers impacted by the Optus data breach can view  their card number in their myVicRoads account. All impacted Optus customers have now been sent their redesigned licence with the card number prominently displayed.  

The card number can be accessed once you have activated two-step verification on your myVicRoads account.

I am not impacted by the Optus data breach. Can I request a licence/permit replacement?

All Victorians can choose to purchase a redesigned licence card/learner permit (fees apply). Newly issued licence cards/learner permits will prominently feature both the card number and licence/learner permit number.

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 your licence/learner permit are required to pass a Document Verification Service (DVS) check.

Document Verification Service (DVS)

What is the DVS?

The Document Verification Service (External link) (DVS) 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.

Using your licence for identity verification

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.

When you apply for a renewal/replacement, your unique card number is automatically updated.

If you are an impacted Optus customer and 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.