Driving Licences Go Digital in UK Tech Shake-Up
A major shift is coming for driving licences across the UK, with a new digital version set to launch as part of the government’s modernisation of public services.
The digital driving licence will be one of the first features of the GOV.UK Wallet app, a new platform designed to store official documents securely on smartphones.
Soon, motorists in the UK, including Wales, will be able to carry their driver’s licence on their phones. This move will let people prove their identity or age in shops or online, no needing to fumble around for a card or paper document.
The GOV.UK Wallet app, set to roll out later this year, will also offer instant access to other key documents like benefit proofs and, eventually, DBS checks and veteran cards.
The aim? Speed. Simplicity. Security. The new tech relies on the same security features built into most smartphones. Think facial recognition, biometric checks, the kind used in mobile banking. If your phone gets lost, the data stays safe. Only verified users can access it.
And yes, it’ll be available for both iOS and Android users. Once live, anyone who successfully applies for a digital document will be able to access it immediately, cutting out the wait for post deliveries or the panic when something gets lost in a house move.
Security is central. The system will work hand-in-hand with the GOV.UK One Login, meaning users get a unified login for multiple services. That means fewer passwords, fewer delays, and far less hassle.
A pilot version of the digital driver’s licence will roll out in 2025. By the end of 2027, all government-issued documents will be offered in digital form through the GOV.UK Wallet, though traditional versions will still be available for those who prefer paper or plastic.
The GOV.UK Wallet comes alongside a revamped GOV.UK app. This app will be tailored to each user, remembering their activity and offering an intuitive, personalised experience.
Future upgrades will include an AI-powered assistant, secure payment options, and service notifications.
This isn’t only about licences. The government plans to digitise all key documents. Veteran cards are next, followed by a broader rollout including DBS checks and benefit confirmations. Those who opt in will have the option to access almost all official credentials in one place.
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…
…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 called it a breakthrough: “This is a game changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence as ID… making everyday interactions faster, easier, and more secure.”
Veterans Minister Alistair Carns added: “It is fantastic that former service personnel will become the first citizens to access the government’s new digital wallet… We’re turning words into action to improve life for every veteran.”
This is a UK-based initiative designed to transform how people engage with government services. And it’s not just about going digital for the sake of it. It’s about making life easier, whether you’re buying a bottle of wine, verifying your right to drive, or proving your veteran status.
