In a significant move towards modernising public services, the UK government has announced the introduction of digital driving licences later this year.

This initiative aims to leverage technology to enhance the convenience and security of identification processes for citizens.

The digital licence could also be accepted as a form of ID when voting, purchasing alcohol or boarding domestic flights.

Modernising

Nearly 50 million Britons currently have either a provisional or full driving licence.

The modern photocard driving licence was introduced to the UK in 1998, but still had to be used in conjunction with a paper counterpart until that requirement was abolished in 2015.

This latest move will still see physical licences issued, and the new digital identities will not be mandatory.

However, despite the wide potential uses for such digital profiles, the Government will avoid introducing compulsory national ID cards, which former prime ministers Tony Blair and William Hague pushed for.

Simplifying

The digital driving licences will be accessible through a new government application, the GOV.UK Wallet, which is available on iOS and Android devices.

This virtual wallet will allow users to store government-issued documents securely on their smartphones, starting with a Veteran Card and an early version of the digital driving licence later this year.

The government plans to expand the wallet’s capabilities to include other credentials, such as DBS checks, by the end of 2027.

These digital licences are expected to serve as valid forms of identification for various purposes, including purchasing age-restricted items like alcohol, boarding domestic flights, and voting in elections.

However, the government states that the digital option will be voluntary, and physical licences will continue to be issued to those who prefer them.

Safer

Security is a paramount concern in this digital transition.

The GOV.UK Wallet will utilise advanced security features inherent in modern smartphones, such as facial recognition and multi-factor authentication, to ensure that only authorized individuals can access their digital documents.

This approach aims to make digital identities more secure than physical ones, addressing potential privacy and cybersecurity concerns.

Introducing digital driving licences aligns the UK with other countries that have adopted similar measures, including Australia, Denmark, Iceland, and Norway.

Additionally, the European Union has mandated that member states develop at least one form of official digital identity by 2026, a directive the UK is proactively embracing.

Moving ahead

Science Secretary Peter Kyle highlighted the transformative potential of this initiative, stating, “GOV.UK Wallet will mean that every letter or identity document you receive from the government could be issued to you virtually.”

He emphasised that this move would make interactions with public services faster, easier, and more secure, putting power back in the hands of the people.

While digital licences are expected to be widely accepted within the UK, their recognition in foreign countries remains uncertain.

Digital info hub

The government is also considering integrating additional services into the app, such as tax payments and benefits claims, to streamline public service delivery further.

As the UK prepares to roll out digital driving licences, citizens are encouraged to stay informed about this development and consider how it may enhance their interactions with various services.

The government assures that the adoption of digital identities will not be mandatory, instead allowing individuals to choose the form of identification that best suits their needs.