Official updates or announcements from the UK government or Department of Science and Technology

UK to Launch Gov.uk Digital Driving Licences Next Week

Jan 18, 2025, 10:20 AM

The UK government is set to introduce digital driving licences accessible via the Gov.uk smartphone app later this year, with a launch planned next week. The digital licences will be voluntary and will not replace physical photocard licences, which will still be issued. The app, developed by the Department of Science and Technology, will feature robust security measures, including biometrics and multifactor authentication, similar to banking apps. The digital licences can be used as proof of identity for voting, purchasing alcohol, boarding domestic flights, and at supermarket self-checkouts to verify age without staff intervention. Approximately 50 million UK driving licence holders could benefit from this initiative. The app will also allow users to toggle their address visibility for privacy in certain situations. The government has emphasized that the digital licences will not be mandatory but aim to modernize public services. Similar systems are already in use in countries such as Australia, Denmark, and Norway. The app may also integrate other government services, such as tax payments and benefits claims, in the future. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair has previously advocated for broader digital identification systems.