Forgetting your wallet on a night out or trip to the shop could soon be less of an issue — because your driving licence is going digital.
Later this year, the UK government is launching digital driving licences via a new GOV.UK Wallet app, designed to hold your ID, prove your age, and store key government documents – all from your phone.
But don’t worry if you’re not ready to ditch the plastic just yet – physical licences will still be valid.
So, what is the GOV.UK Wallet?
It’s a new government app that’ll launch this summer. The first feature will be a digital Veteran Card, but a digital driving licence is set to follow later this year.
It’ll work on both iOS and Android, and eventually let you do everything your plastic licence does – like prove your ID, check your driving record, and manage renewals.
You’ll log in securely using facial recognition or other built-in smartphone security, and there’s even a chatbot on the way to help with services and payments.
Is the digital licence compulsory?
Nope. A government spokesperson confirmed it’s totally optional — you won’t be forced to go digital, and you can keep using your plastic licence if you prefer.
What are the benefits?
- No more forgetting your ID – it’s always on your phone
- Better security – two-factor authentication and instant cancellation if your phone is lost
- One app, all your details – licence info, MOT reminders, road tax, endorsements
- Easy access – quick to show, check, or update anytime
Basically, it makes life easier – especially if you already manage your banking or NHS appointments from your phone.
Any downsides?
There are a few things to consider:
- Battery life matters – if your phone dies, you can’t show your licence
- Privacy concerns – some people worry about how their data might be stored or used
- Digital divide – older people or those without smartphones might find it harder to access
The good news? Plastic licences are here to stay, so nobody’s being forced to switch.
When was the last time licences changed?
You might not remember, but the last big change was back in 1998 when we moved from paper licences to photocard versions. Then in 2015, the paper counterpart was scrapped.
This new digital licence marks the next major update — 27 years later.
What else is going digital?
The Veteran Card will come first, followed by digital driving licences. And by 2027, the plan is to digitise other key documents too — like DBS checks — all in one place.
Again, it’s totally optional. If you're happy with physical documents, nothing’s changing for you.
How do I get one?
Once the app launches later this year:
- Download the GOV.UK Wallet from the App Store or Google Play
- Verify your identity (probably with facial recognition and some documents)
- Once approved, your digital licence will be live in the app
It’s free to use — and should be simple if you’ve ever applied for a digital railcard or passport.
Do people even know this is happening?
Apparently not. A recent survey by Regtransfers found that less than half of drivers know digital licences are on the way.
But it’s not just the UK – the EU is working on its own digital licence system too, aiming to roll it out to over 400 million drivers across Europe.
