A MASSIVE shake-up to driving licences for nearly 50 million Brits is gearing up to launch this summer – and it could change how you prove your identity, drive, and even buy booze.
The Government has confirmed that it will begin rolling out digital driving licences as part of a major tech upgrade aimed at modernising public services.
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The move will affect around 50 million Brits who currently hold a provisional or full driving licence.
Initially, the digital version will sit alongside existing plastic photocards, which will remain valid, but it’s expected to eventually be accepted in all the same situations, such as hiring a car, proving your age, or showing ID at the airport.
When are digital driving licences coming?
A Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) spokesman confirmed to This is Money that a digital driving licence will arrive later this year.
“The GOV.UK Wallet will be launched this summer with the first credential being a digital Veteran card.
“Later in the year, we plan to begin rolling out a digital driving licence, which will eventually be usable for everything your paper licence is currently used for.
“We’re working closely with DVLA and industry to meet this timeline.”
Is it compulsory to get one?
Importantly, the department also made it clear that the digital version is not compulsory.
Those who prefer to keep using their plastic cards can continue doing so.
The aim is to offer flexibility while making life easier for people who already use their smartphones for banking, health services and travel.
Once launched, drivers who wish to get the digital version will need to download the GOV.UK Wallet app from official app stores.
After that, they’ll be asked to verify their identity using facial recognition, upload any necessary documents and follow a few simple steps.
Once approved, your licence will appear on your phone and be ready to use.
It’s expected to work similarly to existing digital railcards, giving people quick access to their details and allowing for instant updates.
You’ll also be able to view things like your driving record, renewal dates, and any endorsements through the app.
The change is part of a wider plan to save the Government billions by moving services online.
According to ministers, the goal is to improve how people interact with official services and help achieve efficiency savings of up to £45 billion.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has described the change as a “game changer” for the millions who rely on their licence daily, particularly for ID purposes.
She said having a secure, digital version on your phone is the natural next step in a digital age.
Despite the potential benefits, some concerns have been raised.
Critics worry that moving to digital documents could exclude older people or those without smartphones, particularly in rural areas with patchy signal.
There are also fears about what might happen if your phone runs out of battery or gets stolen.
Research by Quotezone revealed that the nation is split over the idea. Around 49 per cent support the change, but 47 per cent are against it — with many citing concerns over security and data sharing.
Some users also prefer the reassurance of having a physical card, particularly when travelling abroad, where digital licences may not yet be accepted.
Still, DSIT has stressed that the GOV.UK Wallet will have robust security, using the same kind of two-factor authentication found in most banking apps.
And if you ever lose your phone, your licence can be remotely deactivated, preventing anyone else from accessing it.
Privacy campaigners have also raised the alarm over how much personal data could be stored in one place.
The government says no one will be forced to use the digital wallet and that only those who actively choose to download the app will need to upload their ID.
Over time, the app will be expanded to include other important documents too, such as Blue Badges, PIP letters, DBS checks, and even marriage or birth certificates.
Officials hope that by 2027, people will be able to manage most of their key government documents all from one place.
The last big shake-up to licences happened back in 1998 when the paper version was replaced by the plastic photocard.
In 2015, the paper counterpart was scrapped altogether. This new digital rollout marks the biggest change in nearly three decades.
Applications for the digital driving licence will open once the GOV.UK Wallet goes live later this summer.
DSIT says a full announcement will be made nearer the time. Drivers are being urged to only download the official app from Apple or Google Play to avoid scams or fake versions.
A recent poll of 1,000 motorists by Regtransfers found that fewer than half — just 43 per cent — even knew the change was coming.
As the rollout approaches, ministers say public awareness will grow, especially as more services begin to link into the new system.
Meanwhile, the European Union is working on its own version of a digital driving licence, which could eventually make cross-border travel easier.
That rollout would affect over 440 million drivers — showing just how fast digital ID is becoming the norm across Europe.
For now, though, UK drivers are being given the choice, not the requirement,to switch.
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