New Zealand Unveils NZ Verify App for Instant ID Verification of International Visitors

In a major leap forward for digital identity and tourism, the New Zealand Government has launched a new mobile application—NZ Verify/Whakatūturu—designed to digitally authenticate international mobile driver’s licences. The app was unveiled today by Minister for Digitising Government, Judith Collins, and Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Louise Upston, in a joint statement highlighting the dual benefits for national security and tourism growth.

Streamlined Verification for Visitors

From today, NZ Verify will provide digital verification for select mobile driver’s licences from Queensland, Australia, and 13 U.S. states including:

• California

• New York

• Ohio

• Georgia

• Virginia

• Arizona

• Maryland

• Colorado

• Utah

• Puerto Rico

• Iowa

• New Mexico

• Hawai’i

• Alaska

This digital advancement means that eligible international visitors no longer need to present physical copies of their driver’s licences for identification purposes when renting vehicles, checking into hotels, or engaging in other activities that require ID confirmation.

“The NZ Verify app can be tailored to suit different needs, such as showing only confirmation of age and a photo when proof of age is required, ensuring that other personal details remain private,” said Minister Collins. “This marks a significant step forward for the privacy of digital credential holders, and improves trust and user safety.”

Boosting Tourism and Economic Growth

Minister Louise Upston emphasized the economic implications of this development, particularly for New Zealand's hospitality and tourism industries. The move is expected to remove administrative friction for travelers, making New Zealand a more attractive and accessible destination.

“Anything that makes it easier for tourists to visit New Zealand is always welcome,” said Ms Upston. “Visitors with a mobile driver licence will now be able to use it here just as easily as they do at home, without the hassle of bringing a physical copy.”

By removing barriers to identity verification, the app encourages more spending in the local economy. “More tourists means more people staying in our hotels, eating in our cafés, spending in our shops and visiting our attractions. This not only drives economic growth but also creates jobs across the country,” she added.

Privacy-Centric Design

NZ Verify is designed with user privacy in mind. The app allows businesses to only access essential identity information, such as age or name, depending on the context. This prevents unnecessary exposure of personal data and aligns with modern data minimization practices.

The functionality could prove especially valuable in age-restricted environments, such as bars or events, where only minimal identity confirmation is needed. Businesses can quickly and securely verify someone’s age without accessing unrelated data such as an address or full license number.

Expansion Plans Ahead

Minister Collins noted that the support for international mobile driver’s licences is just the first phase of the app’s capabilities. Over time, NZ Verify is expected to expand its functionality to include a wider range of international and domestic digital credentials, potentially covering:

• Student IDs

• Health records

• National IDs

• Proof of vaccination

• Travel and visa documents

This aligns with New Zealand’s broader digital transformation goals to improve service delivery, enhance security, and create frictionless experiences for citizens and visitors alike.

Availability and Access

The NZ Verify App is now available for download on the Apple App Store in New Zealand. Android users can expect the app to launch on the Google Play Store in the coming weeks.

The Government is also encouraging New Zealand businesses in tourism, hospitality, and transport to integrate NZ Verify into their operations.

“I encourage every business who needs to verify visitors’ identities to download this app,” said Ms Upston.

With privacy protection, convenience, and tourism enhancement at the core of its mission, NZ Verify marks a new chapter in how New Zealand embraces digital governance and global mobility.