The UK government is set to introduce digital driving licences as part of its efforts to modernize public services through technology.
These digital licences will be accessible via a newly developed government smartphone app and may serve as a valid form of identification for activities such as purchasing alcohol, voting, or boarding domestic flights.
While physical licences will continue to be issued, the government sees the voluntary digital option as a step forward in updating its services to align with modern technological advancements, according to reports from The Times.
“This government is committed to using technology to make people’s lives easier and transform public services. Technology now makes it possible for digital identities to be more secure than physical ones, but we remain clear that they will not be made mandatory,” a government spokesperson told Vivid Voice News.
The UK government is preparing to introduce digital driving licences as part of a broader effort to modernize public services. The virtual licences, accessible through a new Gov.uk app, are expected to launch later this year.
One innovative feature will enable users to verify their age at supermarket self-checkouts without waiting for staff assistance. Additionally, the app may allow individuals to conceal personal details, such as their address, when presenting ID in certain settings like bars or shops.
In 2023, there were over 50 million registered driving licence holders in the UK, and the digital version aims to provide greater convenience and security.
The app’s “wallet” feature will house the licences, employing robust security measures similar to those used by banking apps, including biometrics and multifactor authentication.
Beyond licences, the government is exploring the integration of additional services into the app, such as tax payments, benefits claims, and national insurance numbers. However, physical identification forms are expected to remain available, avoiding the shift to a comprehensive digital ID card system.
This approach distances the initiative from previous calls for a broader digital ID, which have sparked concerns over privacy.
Digital licences are not a novel concept globally, with countries like Australia, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and certain US states already using them. The European Union has mandated member states to introduce at least one digital ID option by 2026.
The idea of digital licences has been under discussion since 2016, when the UK’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) began exploring their development.
The upcoming rollout represents a significant step in modernizing how public services are delivered in the UK.
