Optus data breach

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.

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.

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.

There is no fee if the application for a replacement card is made on or before 1 March 2023. A fee applies for applications made after 1 March 2023. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Applications for a new driver's licence number as a result of the Optus cyberattack will cease on 1 March 2023.

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.

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.