Security features
The cards are credit card-sized, plastic cards and are embedded with a mini computer chip. The cards have various visual and technological security features which will help make it easier to identify forgeries. These security features will ensure the cards will be extremely difficult to tamper with or duplicate.
The technology and security features include:
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facial image recognition software to measure key facial features and compare your photo with others held by the Department of Transport and Main Roads
- a computer chip that securely stores card and personal information
- a variety of visual security features such as holograms and special inks
- digital photos and digitised signatures which will be securely stored by Transport and Main Roads
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Personal Identification Number (PIN) – a security feature to help prevent unauthorised use of your card
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shared secrets – answers to two questions from a list of security questions that will allow you, in the future, to securely transact online with Transport and Main Roads.
This technology is being successfully used in:
- Australian passports
- credit cards such as those issued by large financial institutions.
For more information on the security features of your card please see the security features fact sheet (PDF, 241 KB).
Identity theft
The laminated licence has become increasingly vulnerable to tampering and fraud and needs to be replaced with more secure technology.
Relatively unsophisticated equipment can create fake licences, and these licences may be used to commit a wide range of crimes such as identity theft, identity fraud, creating false identities, money laundering, purchasing age-restricted products and driving illegally.
Identity fraud is one of Australia’s fastest growing crimes and the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ National Personal Fraud Survey (June 2008) showed there were 806 000 victims of personal fraud in Australia in 12 months, costing individuals a combined A$977 million. This included 124 000 victims of identity fraud.
The Queensland Government has taken the opportunity to introduce new cards that adopt global leading technology to strengthen the integrity of the state’s licensing system. Unlike the old laminated cards, these cards are extremely difficult to tamper with or duplicate providing cardholders with increased protection against identity theft.
Businesses (PDF, 351 KB) will also benefit from increased assurance that the licence, authority or proof of age cards being presented is genuine and the subsequent savings from a reduction in fraud.
Facial image recognition
Facial image recognition is a form of biometric technology that uses special equipment and software to measure key facial features, such as the distance between your eyes, nose and mouth. The software then compares the characteristics of this photo with the characteristics of the other photos stored on file. It is virtually impossible for two people to share exactly the same facial characteristics, including identical twins.
When you apply for a licence, authority or proof of age card, your photo will be captured digitally and securely stored by Transport and Main Roads. Prior to issuing the card, your photo will be compared with the images stored on the Transport and Main Roads database. If there is a match, the card will not be issued and the matter further investigated and, where appropriate, referred to the police for further action.
Facial image recognition will reduce the likelihood of one person unlawfully holding multiple cards in different names. It will also assist in identifying if people try to obtain cards using fake or stolen identity documents, helping to protect Queenslanders against identity theft and fraud.
Facial image recognition is currently used by:
- The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade when issuing Australian passports
- VicRoads for the issuing of driver licences
- New South Wales Roads and Traffic Authority as part of their licence enrolment process.
