Scaling secure digital credentials for Queensland’s trade licence holders

Public Security
Civil identity

Type Insight
Published 30 Jan 2026

Learn how Queensland scaled secure digital credentials for licensed tradespeople using a trusted digital identity and wallet platform from Thales, delivering security, efficiency and transparency at scale.

Discover our digital identity solutions crafted to ensure robust security

As digital transformation reshapes public services globally, Queensland Australia has positioned itself at the forefront through the Queensland Digital Licence app — an initiative from the Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business (previously managed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads).

Already adopted by more than 1.1 million users, the app enables citizens to securely store and present digital identity, mobile driver licences and marine licences through a single, trusted digital ID wallet. The platform continues to evolve, with Queensland now extending digital credential capabilities to include individual trade licences.

This expansion reflects a broader ambition articulated by government leaders:

Our goal is to ensure every Queenslander, no matter their age, ability, language, or location, can access the services they need when they need them.

Steven Minnikin - Minister for Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business

Behind the scenes, this ambition is supported by Thales’ secure digital identity and credential issuance solutions, which have underpinned Queensland’s digital transformation journey since 2020.

Building a trusted digital identity and credential platform

The Queensland Digital Licence app was designed to do more than digitise physical credentials. Its purpose is to streamline access to government services, enable secure verification across public and private organisations, and ensure individuals remain in control of how and when their data is shared.

Today, more than 1.6 million digital credentials have been issued and securely stored within the app, including driver licences, photo ID and marine licences. Adoption is not only broad but deep: 87% of users now hold at least two credentials, demonstrating strong engagement with the platform’s multi-document, multi-source digital wallet capabilities.

From a technical perspective, this requires a trusted digital ID wallet platform capable of supporting high-assurance identity, issuer trust, cryptographic signing and verification, and policy-driven access – all while maintaining a consistent user experience across agencies and services.

© Department of Transportation and Main Roads - Queensland Government

Extending digital credentials to tradies with QBCC licences

The latest evolution of the Queensland Digital Licence app introduces support for Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) licences. Plumbers, electricians, contractors, builders and site supervisors can now securely store and present their professional licences digitally via their smartphones.

For licensed trades professionals, this represents a practical shift in how credentials are managed and verified. As Sam O’Connor, Minister for Housing and Public Works, explains:

Adding QBCC licences to the Queensland Digital Licence app is a game changer for tradies, inspectors, site supervisors and more. It’s easier than ever to carry and verify credentials on the go.

From a platform perspective, issuance is underpinned by secure digital credential lifecycle management. Tradespeople are first identified, after which Thales prepares the credential data, applies issuer signatures and securely provisions the digital trade licence into the appropriate wallet. This ensures the integrity, authenticity and trustworthiness of each credential throughout its lifecycle – from issuance to verification, renewal and revocation.

The rollout began with pool safety inspectors and site supervisors in late September 2025 and expanded rapidly. By early November, nine QBCC licence types were available digitally, spanning plumbing and drainage, fire occupational, mechanical services, building certifier, contractor and nominee supervisor categories, among others.

Improving efficiency, compliance and trust for tradespeople and businesses

Digitising trade licences delivers measurable benefits across the ecosystem.

For tradespeople, credentials are protected using industry-leading encryption and security controls, significantly reducing the risk of identity fraud. Multiple licences can be securely stored in one place, while real-time status updates – including renewals and expirations – support ongoing compliance.

As Penny Cornah, CEO of the Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland, notes:

It’s a practical and modern solution that makes it easier for licence holders to manage credentials, reduces paperwork, and supports the QBCC’s digital transformation to improve efficiency and customer experience.

For homeowners and businesses, digital verification enables fast, reliable confirmation that a tradesperson holds a legitimate and current licence. Secure sharing and real-time updates reduce administrative friction, improve transparency and strengthen trust across the construction ecosystem.

Enabling scalable digital identity solutions for government

The inclusion of QBCC licences marks an important milestone in Queensland’s public sector digital transformation. By embedding security, governance and scalability at the platform level, the state can expand digital services without compromising trust, usability or compliance.

Supported by scalable digital identity solutions for government from Thales, Queensland is delivering a secure digital credentials ecosystem that benefits citizens, licensed tradespeople, businesses and regulators alike.

With approximately 1,000 new users joining the app each day, Queensland continues to demonstrate how secure, scalable digital platforms can underpin inclusive, high-impact public services – providing a model for other regions looking to modernise identity, licensing and credentialing services.