The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) is making changes to Queensland’s Adult Proof of Age Card as well as improving on all the current card products issued by TMR.

Summary of the main changes

Eligibility for the Adult Proof of Age Card will reduce from 18 years to 15 years. As the card will now be an accepted form of identity for people under 18 years it will be renamed the Photo Identification Card. The Photo Identification Card will be valid for 10 years from the date of issue.

Other TMR issued card products, including driver licences, will also be upgraded to reflect updated security and contactless functionality. Changes to the face of the cards have also been made to improve the readability of the card.

Timeframes

The new Photo Identification Card and the Marine Licence Indicator will be available from 1 April 2019. The remaining cards (including Driver Licences, Heavy Vehicle Licences and industry authorities such as the High-Risk Work Licence) will be available by mid-June 2019.

What does it mean for you?

The introduction of the Photo Identification Card and the changes to the other card products should not have significant implications for you.

Adult Proof of Age Cards issued prior to 1 April 2019 remain valid until the expiry date shown on the card. All other card products issued prior to the rollout of the changes will remain valid until they expire or are otherwise cancelled. Upon renewal or reissue customers will receive an updated card.

The cards are the most technologically sophisticated licensing product in Australia, bringing Queensland into line with international counterparts. TMR anticipates that businesses will benefit from increased assurance that the identity card being presented by customers is genuine.

Please refer to the attached factsheets for more information.