The UK Government is set to unveil plans for digital UK driving licences next week in a bid to make “people’s lives easier,” according to reports.
The Times reported on Saturday (January 18) that the licences will be available through a new government app, potentially by the end of this year.
Digital versions of a driver’s licence could be accepted for everything from buying alcohol to boarding domestic flights and voting, reports the newspaper.
However, officials have emphasised that a digital licence would not be mandatory and the scheme would be voluntary.
What can fail an MOT test?
The photocard driving licence was introduced to the UK in 1998.
It had to be used in conjunction with a paper counterpart until that requirement was abolished in 2015.
How will the proposed UK digital driving licence work?
Now, the digital wallet that will contain the licence would be accessed through a government app which will have security measures similar to banking apps, according to reports from The Times.
There will also be protections in place to ensure only the licence holder will be able to access it, and it is understood this will be made possible through inbuilt security features already in smartphones.
Use https://t.co/60rBEjkomV for DVLA services or scammers may sneakily steal your personal details to commit fraud. Find out how these #scams work and how to avoid or report them: https://t.co/TTwfH8BlsV pic.twitter.com/JVBR2ZFd9S
— DVLA (@DVLAgovuk) January 18, 2025
A Government spokesperson said: “This Government is committed to using technology to make people’s lives easier and transform public services.
“Technology now makes it possible for digital identities to be more secure than physical ones, but we remain clear that they will not be made mandatory.”
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for The AA, told The Times: “There are clearly some benefits of having a digital licence, especially if you are pulled over by the police and need to show your documents.
“However, it may be some time before it could be used and accepted abroad.
"Drivers already feel embarrassed if they’ve left their licence at home when hiring a car on holiday, but they’ll be annoyed if their digital licence won’t be accepted.”
