Frequently asked questions

All States and Territories, including Western Australia, are committed to implementing a range of driver licensing reforms. Compulsory photos and signatures on driver licences are part of these reforms. Western Australia is the last Australian jurisdiction to introduce compulsory photos and signatures.

Is there an exemption?

There is no exemption from this requirement. 
 

No.

A licence issued to all people that hold heavy vehicle licence classes. It has a magenta colour banner at the top and bottom of the card in place of the blue colour used on 'light' vehicle licence cards. 
 

If a licence holder is unable to sign his or her name due to a literacy problem or their physical disability, they can sign with a cross or any other mark in lieu of a signature.

There is no exemption from the photo and signature requirement for Diplomat staff (e.g. consular or embassy staff).
 

Your payment will be returned to you with a letter requesting you to attend a Photopoint location. Your driver's licence will not be renewed and you will not be entitled to drive after the licence expiry date.

You need to take two forms of identification. The first type of identification includes a Birth Certificate (with other documentary proof you have changed your name - such as Marriage Certificate etc.), Passport or previous driver's licence with your photo. The second type needs to show your signature such as an ATM access card or credit card.
 

You can only renew your licence if you are still a resident of WA. If you are holidaying or living temporarily in another State a renewal notice and Photo Kit form will be sent to you upon request.
 

You can only renew your licence if you are still a resident of WA. If you are holidaying or living temporarily overseas a renewal notice and Photo Kit form will be sent to you upon request.
 

Members of the Police Service that provide a licensing service when patrolling in remote areas will carry supplies of the Photo Kit and a camera to take your photo. Alternatively, you can also obtain a Photo Kit by calling the Department's Contact Centre on 13 11 56 or E-mail us.

You can obtain a Photo Kit by calling the Department's Contact Centre on 13 11 56, from any Licensing Centre or Licensing Agency site in regional WA or by E-mailing us.

What do I need to do complete a photo Kit?

You will need to provide a passport size Polaroid photo of yourself and a sample signature for scanning. The photo must be taken against a white background and must be witnessed by an authorised person. The application form provides full details of requirements and includes an area for your sample signature.

Once you have completed the form and attached your photo, post it to the address shown on the back of the form with your cheque or money order.

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No. Photo Kits are available from Licensing Centres, Licensing Agency sites in regional WA or from the Department's Contact Centre.
 

No. You will need to attend a Department Business Centre or Agency site in regional WA to have your change of name details updated before you can renew your licence and have your photo taken at an Australia Post Photopoint location.
 

The portrait taken for the driver's licence must include full facial features however, it may cover the hair.

A photo will be taken in a private area at a Department's Business Centre or Agency site however, Australia Post outlets cannot provide this service.
 

Head gear worn for religious purposes does not have to be removed for the photo capture provided it does not cover the face.
 

Yes. All Department Licensing Centres and Agency sites in regional WA have a private area for taking a photo. However, Australia Post outlets cannot provide this service.
 

Call the Department on 13-11-56, and one of our customer service staff will discuss this with you.
 

You will need to provide in writing an outline of your situation supported with a certificate from your medical practitioner and submit it to a Department Business Centre or Agency site in regional WA. Your application will be assessed to determine a suitable solution, which can include having your photo taken in a private location.
 

You may be issued with a Photo Kit however, you will also need to provide a letter from your medical practitioner confirming you are unable to attend a Photopoint location personally.
 

All Photopoint locations have wheelchair access.

No other organisation, which includes the Police, will have access to images held on the database.

Your photo and signature images will be automatically removed from the database after five years.

The images are encrypted during transmission and when stored. The images can only be retrieved in conjunction with the driver licence number search from specialised digital equipment. The ability to retrieve images is restricted to licensing staff who process driver licence payments. A specific User ID is required and all access is logged for audit purposes.
 

No. Australia Post outlets equipped with digital equipment cannot access the database to view images.
 

Civil liberties and various religious groups, including the Fundamental Brethren, were consulted and were supportive of the requirement for compulsory photos.