Driving licence change will affect every motorist in the UK - here's everything you need to know
Drivers across Wales and the UK will be given the option to use a digital version of their driver’s licence from their phone to prove how old they are when buying age restricted items online and in person – as well as proving their right to drive.
A mobile driver’s licence will be one of the first digital documents in a new GOV.UK Wallet app, which will be launched later this year, and will ultimately allow people to prove their age from their phone in shops or online, the science secretary Peter Kyle has announced.
It comes as the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), will now be home to a revamped Government Digital Service (GDS), and will "use digital tools and data to transform public services and help the taxpayer benefit from £45 billion in efficiency savings – essential to delivering its Plan for Change." Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
How it will work
The technology will make use of security features that are built into modern smart phones, including facial recognition checks similar to those used when people pay using a digital bank card. It means that digital documents will be more secure, even if a device is lost.
Digital documents held in the GOV.UK Wallet, like a driver’s licence or someone’s proof of benefits, will be able to be used just as physical documents are, if people choose to.
It will be available on i.OS and Android.
The GOV.UK Wallet will allow digital credentials to be accessed immediately after successful application, rather than waiting for them to arrive in the post, and avoid valuable documents being lost in house moves or behind filing cabinets.
The GOV.UK Wallet is underpinned by the security and identity verification measures of GOV.UK One Login, meaning users can be assured documents can only be accessed by the right person. Using a single sign on also means accessing government services will be much more straightforward, saving individuals and businesses money and hours of frustration so they can focus on what matters.
When will it be introduced?
A mobile driver’s licence will be piloted later in 2025, and all government services will have to offer a digital alternative alongside paper or card credentials by the end of 2027 under plans set out by the blueprint for digital government.
It comes alongside a planned summer, 2025, launch of a GOV.UK app designed to make it even simpler for people to navigate the GOV.UK website, access government information and complete essential tasks from their phone.
The new GOV.UK App will remember users’ activity to offer a "more convenient, and personalised experience of interacting with government", with future additions also set to include an AI-powered chatbot, GOV.UK Chat, ways to make payments and timely notifications and reminders about services.
What else will be included?
Mr Kyle set out that by the end of 2027, the GOV.UK Wallet will include documents like veteran cards, DBS checks and every other credential issued by the government – for those who choose to use them, while traditional physical documents will remain available.
A digital veteran card will be made available to former service personnel later this year.
What's been said...
Science secretary Peter Kyle said: "Along with CDs, the Walkman and flip phones, the overflowing drawer rammed with letters from the government and hours spent on hold to get a basic appointment will soon be consigned to history. GOV.UK Wallet will mean that every letter or identity document you receive from the government could be issued to you virtually.
"For people who choose to use GOV.UK Wallet, they will find it easier to prove they’re entitled to benefits or check their age when buying alcohol or DIY equipment, with more security and trust than ever before. Crucially, it also opens huge opportunities to make interacting with public services much easier by putting people in control of their own data. We will be overhauling how the public sector uses technology which is essential to delivering our Plan for Change, and in combination with this new tech for people to use themselves, we are going to slash the time people waste dealing with annoying processes so they can focus on what matters to them."
Transport secretary, Heidi Alexander said: "This is a game changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence as ID. The innovation puts power back in the hands of the people, making everyday interactions faster, easier, and more secure. We are delivering on the Plan for Change by making public services work for everyone."
And minister for veterans and people, Alistair Carns, DSO OBE MC MP added: "It is fantastic that former service personnel will become the first citizens to access the government’s new digital wallet. Having access to their HM Armed Forces Veteran Card via their smartphone, will help make it even easier for them to verify their veteran status, and access the support and benefits they’re entitled to. This is a government committed to delivering for all those who serve and have served. We’re turning words into action to improve life for every veteran."
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