Digital ID in Australia: myGovID, eDrivers licence and online identity verification

Australia is moving toward digital identity

The Australian government is progressively shifting to digital identity verification. The two tools you are most likely to encounter are myGovID (for government services) and eDrivers licence (for everyday use).

myGovID — digital identity for government services

myGovID is a mobile app from the Australian federal government. It is different from myGov — myGov is the website portal that links your ATO, Medicare and Centrelink accounts. myGovID is the identity verification app that proves who you are when logging in.

What you use it for:

• Logging into ATO online (tax returns, income history, super details)
• Managing your ABN via the Australian Business Register
• Accessing other federal government portals

Three verification levels:

• Basic: Confirm email and mobile number — suitable for lower-security services
• Standard: Verify identity documents (passport, Australian driver licence, Medicare card) — required for most ATO services
• Strong: Facial verification — for the highest-security services

How to set it up:

1. Download “myGovID” from the App Store or Google Play
2. Enter your email → confirm the OTP
3. Photograph an identity document (passport or Australian driver licence) to reach Standard strength
4. Use myGovID to sign in to ATO online instead of a username and password

eDrivers licence — your licence on your phone

The eDrivers licence is the digital version of your driver’s licence on your mobile phone, currently available in:

• NSW (Service NSW app)
• VIC (Service Victoria app)
• QLD (TMR app)
• SA, WA, TAS (progressively rolling out)

Accepted in place of the physical card at:

• Liquor stores (where camera verification is available)
• Some licensed venues and events
• Police roadside checks in NSW and VIC (legally equivalent to the physical card)

Not accepted in place of the physical card at:

• Airports (physical card or passport required)
• Some older venues without a QR reader
• Bank branches requiring in-person identity verification

Security: The eDrivers licence generates a dynamic QR code that changes continuously — a screenshot cannot be used as a fake.

Digital ID Act 2024

Australia’s Digital ID Act, passed in 2024, creates a legal framework allowing accredited private-sector organisations (banks, service providers) to accept government-verified digital identities. Uptake across the private sector is expanding gradually.

If you lose your phone

• myGovID: Immediately revoke the device from a new device via the myGovID app or by contacting the ATO.
• eDrivers licence: Your physical card remains valid — keep it as a backup when your phone is flat or lost.
• Report a lost or stolen phone to your telco immediately to lock the SIM.