National Driver Licence Facial Recognition Solution
South Australia is part of the Australian Government's initiative to improve identity security. It uses a secure database of licence photos known as the National Driver Licence Facial Recognition Solution (NDLFRS).
The NDLFRS works alongside the Face Verification Service to help authorised organisations confirm your identity. The service securely compares a live photo of you against the image on your Australian driver's licence.
South Australian data cannot be verified with this service yet. We expect it to be ready in late 2026.
Why we use this system
Facial matching adds an extra layer of protection that checking a name and document number alone cannot provide. It helps to:
- protect you from identity theft and fraud
- make it harder for criminals to use false or stolen identities
- ensure that identity checks are accurate and secure.
Information we share
The Department for Infrastructure and Transport uploads limited details from South Australian:
- driver's licences and learner's permits
- proof of age cards
- motor driving instructor licences
- passenger transport driver accreditations.
The information we share includes your:
- photo
- name, address and date of birth
- licence numbers.
We do not share:
- traffic infringement details or demerit points
- licence classes.
The Department keeps full control over all images and identity data linked to South Australian licences and cards issued through Service SA.
How your information is used
The NDLFRS stores the data that the Face Verification Service uses to confirm your identity. To use the Face Verification Service, authorised agencies match your photo against government records. Examples of these records include driver's licences or passport images.
These services have strict rules and protections:
- They can only be accessed by authorised users for approved purposes.
- They cannot be used for mass surveillance to scan or monitor the public.
- They cannot be used to do general searches of the public.
- They only give the person requesting the check a 'yes' or 'no' answer. It does not share photos or personal data with them.
The Face Verification Service can only be used if you give your express consent.
Who we may share your information with
Currently, only approved government agencies can use the NDLFRS and Face Verification Service.
In future, private sector agencies like banks and phone providers may be allowed to use it to strengthen their identity checks.
How we protect your personal information
The NDLFRS meets strict national security requirements. It has been reviewed by an independent security specialist and confirmed as secure by the Government of South Australia.
South Australia's participation in the NDLFRS is governed by state and national laws. We also follow national standards agreed upon with the Australian Government.
Your privacy is protected by:
- Identity Verification Services Act 2023 (Cth)
- Public Sector (Data Sharing) Act 2016 (SA)
- Australian Privacy Principles in Schedule 1 of the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)
- South Australian Information Privacy Principles Instruction
- strict access controls, auditing and oversight arrangements.
In the unlikely event of a serious data breach or hack involving your information, you will be notified and given steps on what to do next.
What this means for you
You do not need to do anything. If you hold a South Australian licence or permit, your details are automatically included in the NDLFRS and you cannot opt out. This is because it operates under state and national laws to protect identity security across Australia.
However, an organisation must get your express consent every time they want to verify your identity using the Face Verification Service.
More information
For more details, visit the Australian Government's ID Match website.
Contact us
If you need to make a complaint or ask a question about how we collect, use or protect your information, you can:
- phone us on 13 10 84
- visit SA.GOV.AU to find your nearest Service SA centre.