Millions of UK driving licence holders will be affected
Millions of people across Britain are bracing for a major shake-up to driving licences, with the government planning to introduce a new digital scheme by the close of 2026.
Around 42 million BUK driving licence holders will soon have the option to keep their licence electronically through a forthcoming government app, which will also house their identification. The digital licence will be integrated into the Gov.uk App and Wallet, giving users straightforward access to important documents such as their driving licence and MOT expiry information.
UK retailers are understood to be gearing up to accept the electronic ID for age verification purposes during transactions. When the proposal was announced last year, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “This is a game changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence as ID.”Throughout 2025, private trials of the digital driving licence in collaboration with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) have commenced. The Government Digital Service (GDS) team said: “We’ll continue to test, build and iterate this year, working closely with the private sector to enable the development of secure checking services that are compatible with the credentials stored in the GOV.UK One Login app.
“Later this year, the digital driving licence will be rolled out more widely, enabling people to store their driving licence on their phone, making it easier and faster to prove who you are and your driving entitlements ” Setting out the “roadmap for modern digital government” blueprint, Liz Kendall MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, previously said the aim is to “make the everyday interactions you have with government simpler, faster and more personal”.
Ms Kendall continued: “So you can manage your health records, appointments and prescriptions, all in one place. So you can quickly do your taxes, check your car’s MOT status, or renew your driving licence online. And ultimately, to put power and control back in your hands, when you use any government service.”
