The UK government has confirmed that a digital driver licence will launch in the UK later this year as part of a new Gov.UK Wallet and app that will shake up Brits’ interactions with the Government.
The digital licence, which was revealed by The Times at the weekend, comes alongside other new and improved ways for people to interact with government digitally. The “expansive blueprint” shows how the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), which will now be home to a revamped Government Digital Service (GDS), will use digital tools and data to transform public services and help the taxpayer benefit from £45bn in efficiency savings – a key part of Labour’s Plan for Change.
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.
DSIT said the Gov.UK Wallet would allow users to securely store government-issued documents on their phone and use them easily when needed. 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, to help ensure that digital documents will be more secure, even if a device is lost.
The new tool was showcased today (21 January) by the Science Secretary, who set out that by the end of 2027, the Gov.UK Wallet will include documents such as Veteran Cards, DBS checks and every other credential issued by the government. But these will be available as options for those who choose to use them, while traditional physical documents will remain available.
The Government is also planning a 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. This includes access to information about getting an MOT or applying for road tax. The app will remember users’ activity and future additions will include an AI-powered chatbot, Gov.UK Chat, ways to make payments and receive timely notifications and reminders about services that matter to them.
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.”
The Gov.UK Wallet will be available on iOS and Android and will allow digital credentials to be accessed immediately after successful application, avoiding post delays and the risk of losing documents.
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.”
