The Northern Territory Government’s Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) is making changes to NT driver licences and photo ID cards.

From November 2020, all newly issued NT Driver licences, including evidence of age and occupational identity cards will look different with a new design. Most notably, NT Driver’s licences will now be blue.

These changes make the Northern Territory the first jurisdiction in Australia to deliver an Australian driver licence card that meets international identification design standards.

The new card designs are made using the latest technology and include a number of overt and covert security features, increasing durability as well as security for Territorians from tampering or counterfeiting.

Northern Territory Government Executive Director of Transport Safety and Services, Simon Saunders, said these changes are a significant step to help protect Territorians from identity theft and fraud, including unlawful use of personal details and mailing addresses.

“Northern Territory Driver licences and all other photo ID cards issued by MVR will soon feature enhanced security elements giving the cards a new look that will be difficult to replicate,” said Mr Saunders.

“The concept for the new driver licence was to create a licence that can be easily recognised and interpreted nationally and internationally. The colour blue was chosen to represent the Australian flag to assist with recognition that the NT driver licence is an Australian driver licence.  

“From November, all drivers’ licences and photo ID cards issued by MVR will be printed from a central secure facility and sent by post directly to the customer’s nominated address.

“This change will ensure that your contact details held by MVR are current so that you receive other important correspondence from us, such as courtesy renewal notices for your driver licence and vehicle registration.”

Like other jurisdictions, a paper receipt valid for 28 days will be issued to customers that attend a MVR office in person for licence renewals or replacement cards. The receipt acts as proof of your licence status and authority to drive. Like a licence, it must be carried at all times when driving until you receive the physical card in the mail.

If you have recently moved address or your details are out of date, inform MVR and update your contact details. This can be done online through MVR QuickPay, by calling 1300 654 628 (Mon-Fri 8am – 4pm), by emailing mvr@nt.gov.au or in person at a participating Australia Post Office.

The following cards will have a new design, manufactured and issued from a central secure facility:

• Driver licence
• Alcohol Ignition Lock (AIL) driver licence
• Evidence of age card
• CPV ID card
• DriveSafe ID card
• Oversize load escort ID card
• Oversize load pilot ID card
• Work Zone Traffic Management ID card
• CPV inspector ID card (NTG employee cards)
• Transport inspector ID card (NTG employee cards)

To learn more about the changes go to mvr.nt.gov.au, or to watch a video outlining the changes, visit the Department’s Facebook.

ENDS

Media contact

Rowland Richardson | 0437 868 115