New Government App to Introduce Digital Driving Licences Later This Year
The government has confirmed that a new Gov.uk app, set to be launched later this year, will include a wallet feature to store digital versions of government-issued documents.
This app will initially offer digital driving licenses that can be used on smartphones to verify a person’s age. The government aims to introduce a veteran card first, followed by a pilot of digital driving licenses later in the year.
The digital wallet within the app will utilize security features found in modern smartphones, such as facial recognition, to provide a secure method of storing government documents. While the use of this digital system will be optional, physical documents will still be available.
Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has expressed that, by the end of 2027, the goal is to have various government-issued documents available in the digital wallet, including DBS checks and other credentials.
Additionally, plans for efficiency savings of £45 billion through the implementation of digital tools and data to enhance public services have been announced. This includes the introduction of AI tools in the Civil Service to streamline operations in Whitehall.
