Britain to Introduce Digital Driving Licences

LONDON (Reuters) – Britain will introduce digital driving licences later this year as part of a drive to enhance public services through data.

The digital licence will be stored in a new GOV.UK digital wallet on smartphones, allowing users to easily verify their age for age-restricted purchases and confirm their right to drive.

The government stated that built-in security features, such as facial recognition, would ensure the safety of these digital documents, even if the device is lost.

Additional government-issued credentials, including veteran cards and criminal record checks, will be integrated by the end of 2027, while physical documents will continue to be available.

Alongside the wallet, a government app will be launched this summer, aimed at simplifying processes like applying for childcare or reporting lost passports.

Science Secretary Peter Kyle emphasized that the GOV.UK wallet would transform how individuals receive letters or identity documents digitally from the government.

He noted, “For those using the GOV.UK Wallet, proving entitlement to benefits or verifying age for purchases will be more secure than ever, ultimately placing control of data in users’ hands.”

A recent government review indicated that fully digitizing public services could yield savings and productivity benefits exceeding £45 billion ($55 billion) annually.

Digital driving licences are already in use in Australia, Denmark, Iceland, and several U.S. states.

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