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.

All Victorian licences/learner permits have a card number; its location varies on when your licence was issued. For licences/learner permits issued from November 2022, the licence card number is prominently displayed on the back of the licence, in the top right-hand corner. For licences/permits issued prior to this date, the card number can be found on the back of the licence, under your year of birth.

How to access your card number

Your card number can be found on the back of your physical licence either:

  • On 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 card number:

Please note, for security reasons, we are unable to provide you with your card number over the phone.

Accessing your card number in myVicRoads

  1. Login or signup to myVicRoads
  2. Activate two-step verification by following the prompts
  3. View your licence card number under the Licence (or Learner Permit) section
 

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) 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)

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