Is it legal to copy a driver's license?

Attempting to forge a license or produce a counterfeit license is a crime.

Making photocopies of official documents like driver's licenses seems like a reasonable precaution, but is it illegal?

The answer is no, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind if you plan to photocopy your license or any document containing your personal information.

First, it is clear that it is a crime to attempt to forge a license or to produce a counterfeit license. The Commonwealth penalty for making, providing, or possessing a false identity document is 10 years in prison or a $110,000 fine, or both.

We know that's not what you're going to do, you really just want to make a copy of your license for safe keeping - you know, just in case you lose your license and need the details - and sometimes financial institutions or other organizations request a copy to send them.

Cars Guide sought legal advice on the matter and was told that while it is not illegal to simply photocopy your driver's license, a copy is useless if you need to show your license. So no, you can't keep a copy in your wallet and use it in place of a lost driver's license. If you lose your license, contact the State or Territory Highway Department to replace it.

However, you can certify your photocopy. The certified document is recognized as an exact copy of the original and must be witnessed by someone authorized as a representative of the profession specified in the Regulations on Legislative Declarations 1993, Appendix 2. Sounds complicated, but believe it or not, a chiropractor or nurse can sign .

Finally, before you just make a stack of photocopies of your driver's license, understand that this little piece of plastic is the primary use in a community document.

In terms of importance, it's there with the passport. Do not leave printouts in the photocopier and be sure to store them in a safe and secure place - your personal information in the wrong hands can be disastrous.