Optus data breach

From Thursday 2 March, if your details were compromised in the Optus cyberattack, you will be unable to change your driver’s licence number.

You can still apply for a replacement driver’s licence card with a new card number on the back; however, fees will apply. 

You can apply for a replacement driver’s licence card online in DoTDirect or attend a DoT transport service centre or regional agent. A fee is payable.

If attending in person you must present:

• 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
• Completed Application for Replacement/Certified Copy of Driver’s Licence, Learner’s Permit or Learner Log Book (DL26) form.

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.

Most 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.

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.

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.

You must attend a DoT transport service centre or regional agent and apply using the Application for Photo Card (PC1) form. A fee is payable. 

This form will need to be presented in person by the applicant with the following:

• One form of WA Government issued photographic identity document (e.g. WA driver’s licence or WA Photo Card); and
• Primary and secondary Proof of Identity.

Changing driver’s licence numbers has commenced and will be a staged process as DoT works through the backlog of requests. A staged approach allows DoT to support customers through the change while limiting impact to the general customer base.

Once your driver’s licence number is changed, please keep in mind the following: 

• When using our online or phone services to transact with us you must provide your new driver’s licence number. 
• We have had to cancel any BPAY View registrations you might have held. When you receive a new bill from us you will need to re-register for BPAY View. 
• If you supervise a learner driver, your new driver’s licence number must be recorded in the learner’s Learn&Log app. 
• You will need to provide your new driver’s licence number to organisations you provided this information to (e.g. insurance agency, financial institution). 

DoT will work with other key WA Government agencies to ensure your new driver’s licence number is shared as required.