The days of getting your driving licence out to prove your age could soon be a thing of the past.
The UK government has confirmed that a digital version is being launched this year.
A new app will be unveiled this summer, which will include a ‘wallet’ to store digital versions of official documents.
This will begin with a veteran’s card, followed by a pilot of driving licences.
The wallet will make use of security features already built into modern smartphones – such as facial recognition – for protection.
But those who still like their little plastic card need not worry.
Physical documents will remain available, the Government said.
Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said that by the end of 2027, the Government hopes to have a range of documents available inside the wallet, including DBS checks and every other credential issued by the government.
The days of getting your driving licence out to prove your age could soon be a thing of the past
The UK government has confirmed that a digital version of the UK driving licence is being launched this year
‘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,’ he said.
‘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 Government said they hope the app will also make using services – like applying for childcare or reporting a lost passport – far easier.
It will also allow digital credentials to be accessed immediately following a successful application, rather than waiting for them to arrive in the post.
In addition, it will help to avoid valuable documents being lost in house moves or behind filing cabinets.
A new app will be unveiled this summer, which will include a ‘wallet’ to store digital versions of official documents (stock image)
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the news as a ‘game changer for millions’.
‘This is a game changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence as ID,’ she said.
‘The innovation puts power back in the hands of the people, making everyday interactions faster, easier, and more secure.’
The digital update comes alongside plans announced to make £45 billion in efficiency savings by using digital tools and data to upgrade public services, including introducing AI tools to the Civil Service to speed up work in Whitehall.
