Omni-Man
The UK government is preparing to roll out a major update to the driving license system this summer.
Starting with a pilot launch in July 2025, drivers will soon have access to a digital driving licence through a newly introduced GOV.UK Wallet and mobile app.
This development is part of the government’s broader push to modernize public services, drive £45 billion in efficiency savings, and make digital access to documents like your license, age verification, and other credentials faster and more secure.
What Is the UK GOV.UK Wallet?
The GOV.UK Wallet is a new mobile app designed to store digital versions of official government-issued credentials.
It will be available on both iOS and Android devices, offering a secure, app-based system for verifying identity, checking records, and accessing services.
The first credential to be launched in the GOV.UK Wallet will be a digital veteran card, with the digital driving licence scheduled to follow shortly afterward in late summer 2025.
What Is a Digital Driving Licence?
A digital driving licence is a free electronic version of your current licence, securely stored and accessed via your smartphone. It will offer:
- Instant identity verification
- Age proofing in shops or online
- Access to your driving record, renewal dates, and endorsements
- Integration with biometric security such as facial recognition
While this new licence format brings added convenience, it is not mandatory. The physical plastic licence will still remain valid, and there are no plans to phase it out.
Key Features of the Digital Driving Licence App
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Access | Available via GOV.UK Wallet on smartphones |
| Security | Two-factor authentication, facial recognition |
| Functionality | View licence details, check endorsements, manage renewals |
| Personalisation | The app remembers user activity for easier navigation |
| Support | Includes a future AI-powered assistant: GOV.UK Chat |
| Optional Use | Not compulsory; physical cards remain available |
When Is the Rollout Happening?
- July 2025: GOV.UK Wallet app launches with the digital veteran card
- Late Summer 2025: Digital driving licence becomes available to the public
- End of 2027: All government credentials will have digital versions, with services required to support both digital and physical formats
Why Is This Update Important?
The introduction of the digital driving licence aligns with the UK’s long-term digital strategy to make government services more:
- Accessible
- Cost-effective
- Environmentally sustainable
For drivers, the biggest benefit lies in convenience. No more worrying about forgetting your licence when you need age verification, proof of ID, or vehicle details. With the GOV.UK Wallet, your licence lives securely in your pocket—on your phone.
Moreover, the move is part of an inclusive system, with clear reassurances from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) that no one will be forced to go digital.
Future Additions to the GOV.UK Wallet
Looking ahead, the GOV.UK Wallet will be expanded to include:
- DBS (criminal record) checks
- Passport details
- Tax documents
- Health credentials
- Secure government payments
- Service reminders and alerts
The government aims to ensure all services provide a digital alternative by the end of 2027, but always with the option to use traditional paper or card formats.
The UK Driving Licence Update scheduled for July 2025 represents a transformative step toward modernizing public services.
With the introduction of the GOV.UK Wallet, drivers can manage their records more easily, securely, and conveniently—without giving up the plastic version if they prefer.
This is not just a tech upgrade, but a revolution in how citizens interact with government, built around choice, accessibility, and security.
FAQs
Is the digital driving licence mandatory?
No. The GOV.UK Wallet and digital driving licence are optional. Physical licences remain valid.
When is the digital licence launching?
The GOV.UK Wallet launches in July 2025 with the veteran card. The digital driving licence rolls out shortly after.
What can I do with the digital driving licence?
You can check licence details, renewals, endorsements, and use it as proof of ID or age—all from your phone.