UK Government to Introduce Digital Driving Licenses Later This Year
The UK government is set to introduce digital driving licenses later this year, marking a significant shift in how citizens interact with public services. The digital licenses can be used for age verification when buying restricted items like alcohol, as well as for voting and proving one’s right to drive. This new development aims to streamline government services, offering a more secure and convenient way to handle identity verification.
GOV.UK Wallet
The digital driving license will be accessible via a mobile app called GOV.UK Wallet, which will allow people to store and use government-issued documents securely on their smartphones. The technology will make use of built-in smartphone security features, such as facial recognition, to ensure that only the rightful owner can access the license. This feature aims to provide a higher level of security than traditional physical documents, even if the device is lost.
The GOV.UK Wallet app will also allow users to store other documents, such as veteran cards, DBS checks, and Blue Badges, with more government credentials expected to be added in the future. The app will also include features like notifications about new policies and services, and future additions might include an AI chatbot to help users find answers to complex questions.
Peter Kyle, the Science Secretary, described the new system as a significant move toward modernizing public services. "Along with CDs, the Walkman and flip phones, the overflowing drawer rammed with letters from the government and hours spent on hold to get a basic appointment will soon be consigned to history," he said. The app will not only allow users to carry their IDs digitally but also make it easier to access and apply for government services, like benefits, childcare, and even reporting a lost passport.
New app a step towards modernising public services
The move follows a report that found public services could save £45 billion in efficiency gains by updating outdated systems. While physical documents will still be available, the government plans to make digital alternatives mandatory for all services by 2027. This includes digital licenses, which will be available to anyone with a smartphone, providing users with the option to prove their identity without the need for physical paperwork.
The digital licenses are set to be an optional alternative to traditional forms of identification, not a mandatory system. However, there are already plans to expand the use of digital documents beyond just driving licenses. In the meantime, the digital licenses will be tested in various scenarios, such as supermarket self-checkouts and domestic flights, where they could help simplify age verification and check-in procedures. The success of this initiative follows the digital licensing models already in use in other countries, such as Australia, Denmark, and the US.
New app to increase privacy
One of the key features of the new system is the ability to allow users to hide certain personal information, like their address, when using their digital ID in specific situations, such as in bars or shops. This is seen as a major privacy benefit, as people would be able to keep certain details private while still proving their identity.
Although digital IDs have been met with some resistance, particularly regarding concerns about privacy and data collection, the government emphasizes that the new system will be voluntary, and users will retain the option of using traditional, physical identification. The technology behind digital IDs, including multi factor authentication, aims to ensure their security and make interactions with public services more efficient.
While the rollout of digital driving licenses and other credentials is set for later this year, the government’s broader vision for the digital wallet will continue to evolve, ultimately transforming how citizens interact with public services, cutting down on paperwork and waiting times, and increasing overall efficiency.
