6 days Ago By [email protected] (Editor)
If rummaging through your wallet for your driving licence feels a bit old-school, you’re not alone — and the government seems to agree. In 2025, the UK is set to roll out , in a wider effort to modernise how we access and use official documents. Heading up the project is the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), and central to it is the — a new mobile app designed to securely hold digital versions of your key documents, including (you guessed it) your driving licence.
The announcement, made on 21 January 2025, points to a future where your ID might live on your phone instead of in your back pocket. One less card to carry — maybe no cards at all. As specialists in and motoring matters, breaks down what’s changing, what’s staying put, and what it might all mean for drivers.
The plan is to make the digital driving licence one of the first documents available through the Wallet. You’ll be able to use your phone to prove your age when buying alcohol, confirm you’re allowed to drive, or show ID at the Post Office — all from one place. The idea is to streamline identity checks and cut out some of the hassle, especially for everyday situations where digging out a bit of plastic slows everything down.
First thing’s first: it won’t be compulsory. If you prefer the reassurance of your physical photocard, you can absolutely keep using it. That’s likely to be a relief for plenty of people — especially those who aren’t keen on uploading personal details to another app, or who use older phones that might not support the tech.
The government’s messaging has been clear: , not taking options away. Security is, understandably, a major focus. The Wallet is expected to use the same biometric tools built into most modern smartphones — things like fingerprint scans, facial recognition, and secure data storage.
It’s a familiar setup, similar to what many of us already trust when logging into mobile banking or making contactless payments. But even with strong encryption and all the bells and whistles, some concerns remain. No system is flawless.
And putting several sensitive documents into one digital basket could make the app a tempting target for cybercriminals. Critics have pointed out that even well-defended institutions — from major banks to government departments — have had security lapses. So while the tech might be sound, will hinge on how transparently the government handles privacy, data use, and accountability.
Scepticism aside, there are clear upsides. For one, . Instead of rifling through drawers or bags looking for the right document, everything you need could live on your phone.
A digital licence could also work as a general form of ID — handy at concerts, hotels, or when buying age-restricted items. No more juggling half a dozen cards or bits of paperwork. And there’s the added bonus of instant updates.
If you change address or renew your licence, the digital version can reflect that straight away — no waiting for something to arrive in the post. The Wallet is expected to launch in , with a small number of documents available at first. The digital driving licence will follow later that year, starting with a pilot group before a broader rollout.
If everything runs on time (and that’s a big “if”), most key forms of ID could be digital by the end of 2027 — all stored in one secure app. It’s worth remembering that . Delays, funding changes, or technical hiccups could shift the timeline.
Still, the foundations are being laid, and the ambition is clear. The real test will be in the execution — not just how well it works, but how safely and smoothly it’s delivered. Moving towards digital driving licences is a bold step — a sign of a government trying to bring ID into the smartphone age.
The promise? A faster, simpler, more connected way of proving who we are. But with new tech always comes a degree of uncertainty. Not everyone will be comfortable with the shift, and questions around data security, accessibility, and trust are very much still in the air.
For now, at least, it’s your call: digital licence or traditional card. And in a world where more and more is being digitised, that little bit of might just be the most valuable feature of all..
