The United Kingdom plans to introduce digital driving licenses in 2025 as part of its broader GOV.UK One Login initiative, which has already integrated 50 government services. The new digital licenses will be accessible through a dedicated government application, separate from existing digital wallet platforms like Google or Apple Wallets, following recommendations from the Open Identity Exchange (OIX) regarding public-private sector boundaries in digital identity services.
The implementation will maintain a voluntary approach, with physical licenses remaining available alongside the digital option. The government has confirmed that digital licenses will not be mandatory when initially launched, similar to the approach taken by other countries like Illinois in the United States.
Security features for the digital licenses will include biometric authentication and multi-factor verification systems, building on standards established in the UK Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework (DIATF). The technology will be integrated into a broader ecosystem of digital services, including the recently announced age verification system for alcohol purchases and identity confirmation for domestic flights.
The government application will incorporate various security measures to protect user data and prevent unauthorized access. The system is designed to allow users to selectively share specific information, such as age verification, without revealing complete license details—a feature that aligns with modern privacy-preserving principles seen in other national digital ID systems.
The integration with other government services, such as tax payments and benefits claims, represents a significant shift in how citizens will interact with government services, following similar digital transformation initiatives in countries like Italy and Luxembourg.
The initiative aligns with other digital governance measures in the UK, including the Online Safety Act, which establishes regulatory frameworks for digital platforms and online safety measures.
While the exact rollout timeline remains to be specified, the digital license system is scheduled for implementation during 2025. The transition marks a significant step in the UK’s ongoing digitalization of government services, building on the foundation of existing digital identity infrastructure and security frameworks.
Sources: BBC, Reclaim The Net, World Economic Forum
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January 20, 2025 – by Ali Nassar-Smith
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