50 million Brits affected by digital driving licence change - how and when to get yours

Around 50 million people in the UK will soon be affected by a “game-changing” new way to access a vital motoring document. The new digital driving licence will be made available later this year.

This will give drivers the option of using an app on their phone to prove their right to drive - as well as proof of age and ID. It will be one of the first additions to the GOV.UK Wallet that will act as virtual storage for numerous other important documents.

Transport secretary, Heidi Alexander said: “This is a game changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence as ID.

"The innovation puts power back in the hands of the people, making everyday interactions faster, easier, and more secure.”

The Government website states that the wallet containing the digital driving licence will allow users to “securely” store government-issued documents on their phone and use them easily when needed.

It says: “The technology will make use of security features that are built into modern smart phones, including facial recognition checks similar to those used when people pay using a digital bank card.

“It means that digital documents will be more secure, even if a device is lost.” It is planned that by the end of 2027, the GOV.UK Wallet will include documents like Veteran Cards, DBS checks and every other credential issued by the Government.

These will be available from the wallet for those who choose to use them, while traditional physical documents will remain available.

Currently there are 50 million people with a driving licence in the UK.

You cannot download or use GOV.UK Wallet yet, but it should be available later this year. The Government website says: “It is not ready to use yet, but some people will be able to start using it soon.”

It adds: “If you have an HM Armed Forces Veteran Card, you will be able to save this to GOV.UK Wallet first. You’ll be able to save more government documents, including your driving licence, to GOV.UK Wallet in the future.

“You will need to have a GOV.UK One Login to access and use GOV.UK Wallet. This means that nobody else can use your documents, or access them without your permission.”

For more information, visit gov.uk/government/news/digital-driving-licence-coming-this-year.