Optus data breach
Find out what to do if you have been affected by the Optus data breach.
If you have applied for a new driver’s licence number, you will be required to confirm your request before the number is changed. You will be contacted when action is required.
How to confirm your request for a new driver’s licence number
Not all customers that have applied for a new driver’s licence number will have the number changed at the same time. DoT will contact priority customers in advance of the number change.
If you have been contacted by DoT to confirm your request for a new driver’s licence number, you must complete the online form otherwise the number will not be changed.
Complete the online form or read more below about changing your driver's licence number or card.
What is the difference between driver’s licence number and card number?
The driver’s licence number is the number printed on the front of the card. The card number is the unique number printed on the back of the card that changes each time you get a new driver’s licence card issued.
Card number on the back of card.
What do I need to do to replace my WA driver’s licence card with a new card number?
You must attend a DoT transport service centre or regional agent and apply for a replacement card using the Application for Replacement/Certified Copy of Driver’s Licence, Learner’s Permit or Learner Log Book (DL26) form.
This form will need to be presented in person by the licence holder with the following:
- One form of WA Government issued photographic identity document (e.g. WA driver’s licence or WA Photo Card); or
- Primary and secondary proof of identity; and
- Optus issued notification verifying your WA driver’s licence details were included in the data breach.
Application for replacement certified copy of driver's licence, learner's permit or learner log book (Form DL26) | Kb | |
Will replacing my driver’s licence card with a new card number provide adequate protection?
Replacing a WA driver’s licence card will provide you with a new card number, providing protection from unauthorised Document Verification Service (DVS) checks using the old card's information.
This is because both the licence number and the card number are needed to pass a DVS check. A DVS check is used by institutions such as banks to verify a person’s identity.
The vast majority of people who provided their information to Optus before 1 September 2022, would have only provided the driver’s licence number. By itself, this number is no longer enough to complete an online identity check.
How much will it cost to replace my licence card?
If you paid for a replacement driver’s licence card online in DoTDirect between 28 September 2022 and 12 November 2022 you will have a credit applied to your account for the amount paid. You can apply for a refund via DoTDirect.
Will I be able to keep my old licence card?
Yes, you will be able to retain your current driver’s licence card as DoT appreciates customers may need a photographic identity document for other purposes while waiting for a new card to arrive.
Can I get my learner's permit card replaced?
Yes, you can replace your learner’s permit cards by attending a DoT transport service centre or regional agent. The same options for replacing a driver’s licence apply to replacing a permit.
How can I replace my WA Photo Card?
You must attend a DoT transport service centre or regional agent and apply using the Application for Photo Card (PC1) form.
This form will need to be presented in person by the licence holder with the following:
- One form of WA Government issued photographic identity document (e.g. WA driver’s licence or WA Photo Card); or
- Primary and secondary Proof of Identity; and
- Optus issued notification verifying your licence details were included in the data breach.
Photo Card application (Form PC1) | Kb | |
Should I change my driver’s licence number?
Most customers who have had their driver’s licence exposed through the Optus cyberattack will not need to change their driver’s licence number to remain secure.
The Government recognises, however, that people may still be concerned and is offering impacted customers the option to change your driver’s licence number.
Issuing a new driver’s licence card with both a new licence number and card number will take some time as the systems across multiple agencies that rely on the driver’s licence number are updated and tested.
We strongly encourage concerned customers to replace their WA driver’s licence card which will be issued with a new card number in the interim.
How can I change my driver’s licence number?
You must attend a DoT transport service centre or regional agent and apply using the Application for New Licence Number (E126) form.
This form will need to be presented in person by the licence holder with the following:
- One form of WA Government issued photographic identity document (e.g. WA driver’s licence or WA Photo Card); or
- Primary and secondary Proof of Identity; and
- Optus issued notification verifying your licence details were included in the data breach.
Application for new Driver's licence number form (E126) | Kb | |
How long will it take for my driver's licence number to be changed?
Changing a driver’s licence number is a complex process and there will be delays issuing a new number as systems are updated and tested. For more information about action taken by DoT, please refer to the fact sheet below.
Changing your driver's licence number fact sheet | Kb | |
What happens if my driver’s licence number is linked to other accounts and agencies?
DoT will work with other key WA Government agencies to ensure your new driver’s licence number is shared as required.