Get ready for a digital driving licence option launching soon
London: Exciting news for drivers! The UK government is rolling out a new app that will let you store your driving licence digitally on your smartphone. This app, called Gov.UK, is set to launch this summer and will allow users to access various government services and keep important documents in a secure digital wallet.
At first, the app will support veteran cards, but soon after, it will pilot digital driving licences. These digital licences will come with advanced security features, like facial recognition, similar to what you see with mobile payments.
Don’t worry if you prefer the old-school way; physical licences will still be available. The government plans to expand the app’s capabilities by 2027, adding more documents like DBS checks and other credentials.
Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle mentioned that this move will help people manage their documents better, saying, “Every letter or identity document you receive from the government could be issued to you virtually.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander added that this innovation is a game-changer for those who use their driving licence as ID, making everyday tasks faster and more secure.
Alongside this digital update, the government is also looking to save £45 billion by using digital tools to improve public services. They’re even introducing AI tools to help civil servants work more efficiently.
This change comes after a review highlighted the need for modernization, as the current system relies too much on outdated communication methods. With this new tech, the government aims to make public services work better for everyone.
