The UK is set to introduce digital driving licences in 2025, marking a significant shift in how citizens interact with public services. These digital licences will be accessible through the new GOV.UK Wallet app, allowing users to store and present their driving credentials directly from their smartphones.
What is the digital driving licence?
The UK government is introducing a digital version of the driving licence, accessible via the new GOV.UK Wallet app. This digital licence will serve the same functions as the physical card, allowing drivers to prove their identity, age, and driving entitlements using their smartphones.
When will it be available?
The initial rollout of the digital driving licence is scheduled for later in 2025. The GOV.UK Wallet will first launch with the digital Veteran Card in summer 2025, followed by the digital driving licence.
How do I get the digital licence?
To obtain the digital driving licence:
- Download the GOV.UK Wallet app (available on iOS and Android).
- Sign in using your GOV.UK One Login credentials.
- Verify your identity through the app's secure process.
- Once verified, your digital driving licence will be added to your wallet.
Will the physical licence still be valid?
Yes. The digital licence is optional and designed to complement, not replace, the physical driving licence. Drivers can choose to use either or both forms of their licence.
What can I use the digital licence for?
The digital driving licence can be used for:
- Proving your right to drive.
- Age verification when purchasing restricted items like alcohol or DIY tools.
- Identification for domestic flights within the UK.
- Accessing certain government services.
It's important to note that acceptance of the digital licence may vary, especially for international travel.
How secure is the digital licence?
The GOV.UK Wallet employs advanced security features, including:
- Biometric authentication (e.g., facial recognition).
- Two-factor authentication.
- Encryption to protect personal data.
These measures ensure that even if your device is lost or stolen, your digital documents remain secure.
What other documents will the GOV.UK Wallet hold?
Beyond the digital driving licence, the GOV.UK Wallet will eventually store:
- HM Armed Forces Veteran Card.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
- Other government-issued credentials.
The aim is to provide a centralized, secure location for various official documents.
Are there any concerns about privacy?
While the digital licence offers convenience, some privacy advocates have raised concerns about potential misuse of personal data and the risk of it evolving into a mandatory ID system.
The government has emphasized that the digital licence is optional and that robust privacy protections are in place.
How does this affect drivers in Scotland?
The digital driving licence will be available to drivers across the UK, including Scotland. Scottish drivers can use the digital licence for age verification, domestic flights, and other identification purposes within the UK.
How does this affect drivers in England?
Drivers in England will have access to the digital driving licence through the GOV.UK Wallet app starting in 2025. It can be used for identity checks, such as at airports, when purchasing age-restricted items, or accessing public services. The physical licence will still remain valid and in use.
How does this affect drivers in Wales?
Welsh drivers will benefit from the same digital services as those in other UK nations. The digital licence will be optional and accessible in both English and Welsh.
It will support identification for domestic travel, voting, and other daily needs, while complementing the current photocard system.
How does this affect drivers in Northern Ireland?
Although driving licences in Northern Ireland are issued by the DVA (Driver & Vehicle Agency), digital licences will still be made available through the UK-wide GOV.UK Wallet system.
Northern Irish drivers can use the digital version for UK-based ID purposes, including age verification and domestic flights, while continuing to use their traditional photocard as needed.
UK–Moldova Driving Licence Exchange Agreement
From 1 August 2025, a new agreement between the UK and the Republic of Moldova will make it easier for eligible drivers to exchange their driving licences, without the need for retesting.
Under the terms of a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and the Department for Transport (DfT) have worked with the Government of the Republic of Moldova to streamline the process and ensure mutual recognition of driving qualifications.
For Moldovan citizens living in the UK, this means they will be able to apply to exchange a valid Moldovan licence for a UK one. With no requirement to sit a theory or practical driving test.
The agreement works both ways. Moldovan authorities will also recognise and exchange UK-issued driving licences, including those held by Moldovan nationals who gained their driving entitlement while living in the UK.
Digital Driving License FAQs
Can you get a digital driving licence?Not yet. The UK government plans to introduce digital driving licences via the GOV.UK Wallet app starting in 2025, beginning with a pilot rollout. Once available, eligible drivers across the UK will be able to access a secure digital version of their licence on their smartphones.
No. The digital licence will be entirely optional. You’ll still be able to use your physical photocard, and there are no plans to phase it out. The digital version is simply an added convenience.
No, not currently. UK driving licences are not supported by Apple Wallet. However, once the GOV.UK Wallet launches, you’ll be able to store your driving licence digitally through that official app, not through Apple Wallet.
Not at this time. Google Wallet does not support UK driving licences. When the GOV.UK Wallet app launches in 2025, you’ll be able to access your digital licence through that app, but not via Google Wallet.
Soon – but not yet. When the GOV.UK Wallet app launches, it will allow you to store and securely view your UK driving licence on your phone. Until then, only physical photocards are valid for use.
Yes. Whether you're applying for a physical or digital licence, a passport-style digital photo is required. The same image will be used on both the photocard and the digital version when it becomes available.
Yes – but only if it’s still up to date. Paper licences issued before 1998 are still valid if your details haven’t changed and it hasn’t expired. If you need to update any information or renew, you’ll have to switch to a photocard licence.
No, there’s no extra charge. Accessing your digital licence through the GOV.UK Wallet app is completely free. However, standard DVLA fees still apply if you're renewing or replacing your physical licence.
Not at this time. Most countries still require a physical driving licence, especially for car rentals. If you're heading abroad, make sure to carry your physical photocard licence. The digital version is primarily for use within the UK—for now.
Yes, your digital licence will sync with the DVLA’s records. If your address, name, or licence status changes, the digital version will reflect those updates without needing a new card.
Yes, within the UK. You can use it for age verification, identity checks, and accessing certain services. However, acceptance will depend on the policies of individual venues and organisations.
Digital Driving Licences Coming Summer 2025
The move towards digital driving licences represents a significant step in modernising public services in the UK to match other European nations. By offering a secure and convenient alternative to physical licences, the government aims to streamline processes and enhance user experience. As the pilot program unfolds, feedback from users will be crucial in shaping the future of digital identification in the country.
Will you be downloading your digital driving licence when it comes to the UK?
