The Department of Transport has taken steps to safeguard the identities of Western Australians impacted by the Optus data breach.
In an advisory statement, the Department said WA driver’s licence cards contained two numbers — the driver’s licence number itself and a unique serial card number on the reverse of the card (called the card number).
“From 1 September, both numbers are required if the person’s identity is to pass a Document Verification Service (DVS) check with banks and other businesses,” the Department said.
“Customers that have had both numbers (licence and card) exposed need to take immediate action to replace their driver’s licence card, which will be issued with a new card number.”
It said customers who had only the licence number exposed could apply for a replacement driver’s licence card, which would be issued with a new card number as a precaution.
“Replacing a WA driver’s licence card is the quickest way for customers to upgrade their protection to avoid being a victim of identity or financial crimes,” the Department said.
“This is because you will be issued a new card number, meaning your old licence card cannot be used by others seeking to use your licence details for fraudulent activities online, as they will not validate in a DVS check.”
It said customers could also apply to change their driver’s licence number.
“There will be delays with this option as systems across multiple Government Agencies that rely on the driver’s licence number need to be updated and tested,” the statement said.
