Around 50 million drivers across the UK are set to benefit from a major digital upgrade, as the government prepares to launch a new digital driving licence through the official Gov.uk App and Wallet.
The upcoming platform will allow users to store and access their driving licence, MOT details, and even benefits information directly from their smartphone. Designed to streamline services and reduce administrative costs, the move is expected to save the government up to £45 billion in the long term.
The digital driving licence will be part of a wider rollout under the Gov.uk Wallet scheme. Users will be able to verify their identity and age both online and in physical settings, including supermarkets and websites. This means no more concerns about misplacing the traditional plastic licence.
Initial access to the Gov.uk Wallet will begin this summer, starting with veterans, who will be issued a digital veteran card. An early version of the digital driving licence is also expected to follow shortly afterwards, though a precise release date has yet to be confirmed.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the change as a significant leap forward for public services, enhancing convenience and security for millions who use their driving licence as ID on a regular basis.
The digital version will serve as an official alternative to the plastic licence, displaying key details such as driving status, endorsements, penalty points, and renewal options. The app will also be equipped with encryption and two-factor authentication to protect against fraud and unauthorised access.
Importantly, the digital driving licence will remain optional. Traditional photocard licences — both provisional and full — will continue to be issued and remain valid for those who prefer physical documents.
Once fully launched, the Gov.uk Wallet is expected to support a range of official credentials, including DBS checks and veteran cards. Over time, it will expand to include services such as cancelling a lost or stolen passport, applying for benefits, or searching for apprenticeships — all in one secure digital location.
By enabling users to access documents instantly without waiting for physical delivery, the new system is designed to make public services faster, more accessible, and aligned with the UK’s digital future.
