The UK Government is launching a new app that will allow motorists to store a digital driving licence as well as their ID.
A major change to driving licences is set to be rolled out in the UK (Image: Getty)
An estimated 50 million people in the UK are poised for a significant shift in how they use their driving licences. The Government is set to introduce a new app that will enable motorists to carry a digital version of their licence and ID.
Officials are optimistic that the smartphone licence could lead to savings of around £45 billion. The digital licence will be integrated into the Gov.uk App and Wallet, providing users with convenient access to important documents such as their driving licence and MOT expiry dates.
Additionally, supermarkets will recognise the digital ID for age verification during purchases.
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander has hailed the move as a transformative step for those who frequently use their driving licence for identification purposes.
“This is a game changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence as ID,” she remarked.
Some features of the wallet will be available to early adopters during a trial phase this year (Image: Getty)
“The innovation puts power back in the hands of the people, making everyday interactions faster, easier, and more secure. We are delivering on the Plan for Change by making public services work for everyone.”
As The Mirror reported, the announcement was made in January, with some features of the wallet expected to be available to early adopters during a trial phase this year. Veterans will be among the first to benefit from the app, gaining access to their HM Armed Forces Veteran Card on their smartphones.
The initiative aims to simplify the process of verifying veteran status, thereby facilitating access to the support and entitlements veterans deserve. The Gov.UK Wallet will be accessible on both iOS and Android devices.
The digital driving licence will be recognised as an equivalent to the traditional plastic licence and will be accepted as a form of ID. However, those who already possess plastic licences will still be able to use them as drivers are not being compelled to discard their existing cards.
Physical licences will continue to be issued with digital licences being optional in the initial phase of its launch. The digital licence app does offer additional benefits such as being able to review their driving record, endorsements as well as renewing the licence, all in one place.
Individuals will be able to view penalty points on the app which will also feature encryption and two-factor authentication in an effort to make forgery more challenging to achieve as well as claiming it will make it easier for drivers to access their details.
In its release shared earlier this year, the Government said the Gov.UK Wallet is “underpinned” by security and identity verification measures.
It added: “Using a single sign on also means accessing Government services will be much more straightforward, saving individuals and businesses money and hours of frustration so they can focus on what matters.”
