A significant overhaul of the driving licence system is set to affect more than 40 million people, with the UK government preparing to roll out the scheme later this year.

Motorists will soon be able to carry their driving licence digitally, following the launch of a new government app that will also serve as a form of ID. Officials have previously stated that the new smartphone-based licence could generate savings of around £45 billion.

The digital licence will be incorporated into the Gov.uk App and Wallet, giving users easy access to key documents such as their driving licence and MOT expiry dates.

Supermarkets are also preparing to accept the digital ID for age verification at the point of purchase. When the plans were announced in 2025, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “This is a game changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence as ID.

“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.”

Compatible with both iOS and Android devices, the Gov.UK Wallet is poised to transform the way personal identification and vehicle documentation are stored and presented.

The digital driving licence will be recognised as a direct equivalent to the traditional plastic licence and accepted as a valid form of identification.

Those who already hold a plastic licence will not be required to surrender their existing cards.

Physical licences will continue to be issued, with digital licences remaining optional, at least initially.

The digital licence app does offer additional advantages, including the ability to review driving records, endorsements and renew licences, all in a single location.

Licence-holders will be able to view penalty points through the app, which will also incorporate encryption and two-factor authentication in a bid to make forgery considerably more difficult – while also making it simpler for drivers to access their personal details.

The GOV.UK Wallet is not yet available for use, but officials have confirmed that some users will be able to begin using it shortly.

Government guidance states: “You will be able to use GOV.UK Wallet to: securely save government issued digital documents, [and to] show these documents to organisations, businesses and other parts of government to prove things such as your age, identity, or eligibility for services”.

Digital versions of documents can be utilised in the same manner as their paper or card counterparts, though Government officials have stressed that using GOV.UK Wallet will remain entirely voluntary.

It has been widely reported that a full public rollout is expected within the coming months.