Queensland smart licenses integrate Gemalto tech

Placard will make "several million" smartcard drivers' licenses for the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads in the next five years.

The department said it will replace 3 million laminated drivers' licenses with smartcards back in April.

The first cards are due next year.

Placard will team with Dutch digital security company Gemalto to make the electronic licenses.

Gemalto will provide the card technology from its Sealys product.

It will be used in licenses, proof-of-age, marine licence indicator and industry authority cards.

Unisys has said it will be the project's primary contractor and implementer for face image capture, recognition and case-management.

And Leigh Mardon Australia will design the customer interface devices that grab a cardholder's signature, PIN and other secure information.