The UK government is set to launch digital driving licences as part of its plan to modernize public services through technology. The new licences will be accessible via a government smartphone app and could serve as valid identification for purchasing alcohol, voting, and boarding domestic flights.
Physical driving licences will still be issued, but the government hopes the voluntary digital option will help “drag government into the 2020s,” according to The Times.
A government spokesperson told the BBC: “This government is committed to using technology to make people’s lives easier and transform public services. Digital identities can now be more secure than physical ones, but they will remain voluntary.”
The virtual licences may be used at supermarket self-checkouts, allowing customers to verify their age without needing staff assistance. A feature to hide addresses in specific situations, like in bars or shops, may also be included.
The digital licences will be part of a new app called Gov.uk Wallet, expected to launch later this year. The app will incorporate advanced security measures like biometrics and multifactor authentication, similar to banking apps, ensuring only the licence owner can access it.
The government is considering expanding the app to include services like tax payments, benefits claims, and other forms of identification, such as national insurance numbers. However, physical identification will not be entirely replaced.
Digital driving licences are already in use in countries like Australia, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and some U.S. states. The European Union has also mandated that all member states introduce at least one form of digital ID by 2026.
This initiative follows previous discussions about digital IDs in the UK, which have faced criticism from privacy advocates. A 2016 announcement by the DVLA first mentioned the development of digital licences.
The introduction of digital licences represents a significant step forward in embracing technology to enhance convenience and security in public services.
