The UK later this year, along with a government-issued digital wallet. This will allow people to “easily verify their age when purchasing age-restricted items online and in person.” Obviously, it will also prove one’s right to drive.
This will be one of the first digital documents available through the GOV.UK digital wallet, which will also be launched later this year. The fund will also be home to documents such as Veterans Cards, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and “all other government-issued documents.” However, many of these digital versions will not be available until late 2027.
The technology uses the security features of modern smartphones, for enhanced privacy. Documents will not open without a face check. The government says this will make digital documents more secure, “even if the device is lost.” We’ll have to see how that plays out.
There will be a way for users to hide certain information when displaying a digital license. for example, the technology will allow people to hide their home addresses when paying for things.
The best part? This is an opt-in technology. Traditional documents will still be available, in case it forces you to have valid IDs sitting on your phone. UK citizens can already apply for a license online using a stored digital photo and pay the toll.
Digital driver’s licenses are nothing new. Many countries already use it, including Australia, Denmark, Iceland and Norway. Even some US states, such as , have used the technology.