The UK is to introduce digital driving licences as the government looks to use technology to “transform public services”.
The digital version of driving licences will be available in a virtual wallet in a government app, instead of being added to existing Google or Apple wallets. It could be accepted as a form of ID when voting, purchasing alcohol or boarding domestic flights.
While physical licences will still be issued and the new digital identities will not be mandatory, the Government has said the move is part of their commitment to use technology to “make people’s lives easier and transform public services”.
Even once the digital licence has launched, a physical driving licence will still need to be presented to a rental company to hire a vehicle. The Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA) is in dialogue with rental companies and the insurance industry to understand how a digital version could be accepted in the future. The BVRLA will be engaged with the process and keep members updated as to how this work progresses.
