Over 100,000 people from Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains who have a plastic NSW photo card ID can now access a digital version through the Service NSW app, following an expansion of the technology trial.
Minister for Digital and Customer Service, Victor Dominello said the expansion to 60 more postcodes would see an additional 140,000 Service NSW customers gain access to the digital ID.
“(This) follows a successful trial of the Digital Photo Card in the Penrith and Blacktown areas, which has seen 6,560 people participate, with 98 per cent giving the technology the thumbs up,” Mr Dominello said.
“Close to 20 per cent of photo card holders live in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, so it makes sense to expand the trial to this region,” he said.
“Plastic photo card holders in the trial areas will be able to use their mobile device with businesses who check ID, such as pharmacies, liquor stores and major retailers.”
Mr Dominello said the technology was safe, contactless, easy to use and would make life easier for customers during the pandemic.
The Minister said eligible existing photo card holders could opt-in for the digital version from the Service NSW app.
He said that when a customer was issued with a new photo card, or updated their details, they could simply refresh the app to update their digital card, and would no longer have to wait for a plastic card to arrive in the post.
“The trial will further test the functionality and effectiveness of the Digital Photo Card ahead of the state-wide rollout,” he said.
Mr Dominello said the Digital Photo Card would remain available offline if the card holder remained logged into the Service NSW app.
The full list of postcodes on the extended trial can be accessed at this PS News link.
