Your driver licence card is a valuable item, like a passport or bank card. It’s important you keep it – and therefore your personal details – safe.
Don’t give out your details unless it’s legitimate
Don’t give anyone your licence number unless you’re sure it’s for a legitimate purpose.
Examples of when it’s ok to do this include:
- when you’re doing an online transaction on our website, such as booking a practical driving test or changing your address (check the website address includes 'nzta.govt.nz')
- at a bank or similar.
We won’t ask you for your driver licence details when you’re renewing your vehicle’s licence (rego).
If you’re unsure, it’s safest to not give out your details.
Media release: NZ Transport Agency urging all customers to be wary of virtual identity theft email and website scam
What to do if your card is lost or stolen
If your licence card is lost or stolen, or you think someone else knows and could use your licence number fraudulently, let us know.
We can arrange for a replacement licence card to be issued (this costs $26.30) and stop the old card from being able to be used by anyone.
How to replace your licence
Phishing scams
A phishing scam is an email, call or text from someone pretending to be us. They’ll try to get your personal information (like your driver licence number or credit card details). They may trick you into paying for something that seems legitimate, like your vehicle licence (rego).
Phishing scams: how to spot one and what to do
Keeping your details safe online
It’s good to check before you hand over your driver licence details.
- Ask why they need your licence details and how those details will be used. Asking the question ‘do you securely file my details, or will you dispose of my details?’ is ok.
- Look for a padlock symbol next to the URL in your browser when entering details online, or check if the URL starts with ‘https://’ (note it needs to include the ‘s’). This shows your information is encrypted and can’t be copied. Don’t submit any personal information on pages that don’t have one of these.
- Ask yourself a few questions about the website you’re on. If it has bad spelling, grammar or design, it may not be legitimate. Only use trusted payment systems (for example PayPal).
- Avoid putting your driver licence details (or payment details) in an email, unless it’s encrypted. Emails are easily intercepted and are sent over untrusted (open) networks.
Further resources
