Hi Lifehacker, Is it possible to have two current driving licences for two different states in Australia? Particularly for Queensland and Victoria? Thanks, Two-Timer
Australian road picture from Shutterstock
Dear TT,
No. It is illegal to have more than one driver’s license in Australia. Your licence must be for the state you currently reside in; it basically doubles as a proof of residency card. If you move to a different state, you are required to apply for a licence transfer within three months. You must also surrender the old one, which will be cancelled when you receive your new licence.
As you’d expect, there’s no easy way around this. Australia’s road and traffic authorities are independently run by each state and territory. However, the systems are all interconnected via the Australian Road Rules agreement. In other words, if you try to apply for a new licence without declaring the old one, you’re going to get rumbled pretty quickly and your application will be denied.
Cheers
Lifehacker
Got your own question you want to put to Lifehacker? Send it using our [contact text=”contact form”].
Comments
6 responses to “Ask LH: Can I Have Driver’s Licences In Two Different States?”
What’s the motive? Dodging something or someone?
This is not going to end well.
At the bottom of the license form you have to sign a statement that you’ve completed the form truthfully. It’s a legal document.
you’d have to prove you live in that state
Incorrect. I have a Victorian license showing my NSW address. Have had for some time now.
Does the rule also apply for licences from other countries? I have a French licence because I live in France, but when they gave it to me they took and destroyed my Australian licence. I’m going back to live in Australia for 2 years and I don’t want my French one destroyed…it was a lot of hassle to get it and it’s valid for 15 years. I’m sure I’ll be using it again.
I have experience with the French/Australian issue. Yes, the French will destroy your Aussie licence, but when you are in Australia next, just apply for a replacement for your lost licence. (ie, don’t tell them you have a French one)
AFAIK they don’t do any inter-country checks and I don’t believe there is anything stopping you holding a foreign driving licence. Not a Lawyer!