The UK’s digital driving license will be released later this year
Great Britain later this year, along with a government-issued digital wallet. This will allow people to “easily prove their age when purchasing age-restricted items online and in person”. Obviously, it will also prove a person’s right to drive.
It will be one of the first digital documents available through the GOV.UK digital wallet, which also launches later this year. The wallet will also be home to documents such as veterans cards, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and “any other government-issued identification card.” However, many of these digital versions won’t be available until late 2027.
The technology leverages the security features of modern smartphones for enhanced privacy. Documents will not open without facial recognition verification. The government says this will make digital documents more secure “even if the device is lost”. We’ll have to see how this plays out.
There will also be a way for users to hide certain information when displaying the digital license. for example, the technology will allow people to hide home addresses when paying for things.
The best part? This is plug-in technology. Traditional physical documents will continue to be available, just in case you don’t need official ID hanging on your phone. UK citizens can now apply for a license online using a stored digital photo and paying road fees.
Digital driving licenses are nothing new. Many countries already use them, including Australia, Denmark, Iceland and Norway. Even some US states like and have benefited from tech.