New-look licences are on the way...

From July 2007, Land Transport NZ will begin to issue new updated driver licence cards.

The changes consist mainly of key elements (including photo and text) being enlarged to make them clearer in poor light. Most of the changes are being made at the request of police, to make driver identification easier at the roadside.

• Drivers don’t need to do anything – new licences will be issued as they are replaced
• Old licences remain valid until they expire as normal
• The size of the licence card itself will not change.

The changes include:

• driver photos will be larger
• the driver’s name and other details will be printed in larger text
• the box showing if a driver’s status is learner or restricted will be larger and re-positioned under the NZ flag
• the ‘ghost’ photo will move to the right side of the card
• the branding on the laminated overlay has been updated.

There is also a major change to limited licences - commonly known as ‘work licences' - which will now be pink.

Download a copy of the flyer that explains the changes (PDF, 1.84 MB)

If you have any queries please contact the driver licensing call centre on 0800 822 422.

Last updated: 29 May 2007