Digital driving licences are set to be introduced in the UK this year as part of a major government initiative to digitise public services and improve efficiency. The move is expected to save £45 billion and streamline access to official documents through the new GOV.UK Wallet and App.
The government has confirmed that the digital driving licences will be launched as a pilot project by summer 2025, running alongside traditional physical licences. The initiative is part of broader efforts to modernise public sector technology, making services more convenient and accessible for citizens.
Drivers will be able to store their licence information securely on their smartphones, within the GOV.UK Wallet, which will act as a virtual document holder. However, the digital licences will not be compatible with existing platforms such as Apple Wallet or Google Wallet.
The digital licences will not only confirm a person’s driving qualifications but could also be used for various other purposes, including:
- Proof of identity when voting
- Age verification when purchasing alcohol
- Identification for domestic flights
Despite the introduction of digital licences, the government will continue to issue physical licences for those who prefer them.
Unveiling the plans on Tuesday, January 21, Science Secretary Peter Kyle confirmed that the GOV.UK Wallet would be fully operational by the end of 2027. Over time, it will expand to include:
- Veteran cards
- DBS checks
- National Insurance numbers
- Other government credentials
Speaking about the upcoming technology, a government spokesperson highlighted the security advantages of digital identification:
“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.”
The new GOV.UK App will also offer a more personalised experience, remembering users’ activity to provide a more convenient way of interacting with government services.
Future updates are set to include:
- An AI-powered chatbot, GOV.UK Chat
- Integrated payment options
- Real-time notifications and reminders for essential services
To ensure security and privacy, the app will include banking-level security features. Only licence holders will be able to access their digital licences, using a combination of:
- Biometrics (Face ID or fingerprint authentication)
- Multi-factor authentication (passwords and email verification)
Science Secretary Peter Kyle drew comparisons to outdated technology, stating:
“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.”
More Read
“GOV.UK Wallet will mean that every letter or identity document you receive from the government could be issued to you virtually.”
The government’s long-term vision for the GOV.UK Wallet includes integrating tax payments, benefits claims, and other official documents by 2027.
The digitisation of public services has been widely welcomed as a step towards greater efficiency, but questions remain about accessibility for people who may not have smartphones or digital literacy skills.
Nonetheless, the introduction of digital driving licences is seen as a significant milestone in the UK’s transition to a modern, tech-driven public sector, offering a more seamless and secure way for people to interact with government services.
