UK Announces Plan for Mobile Wallets and Digital Driving Licences
A Gov.uk mobile wallet and app will be introduced this year to streamline access to digital government services.
The UK Government has announced plans to issue a Mobile Wallet and Digital Drivers Licence.
A GOV.UK Wallet will see government-issued documents available on your phone, starting with a Veteran Card and an early version of digital driver’s licence later this year.
More services will follow like applying for childcare or reporting a lost passport, with this approach being one of the central foundations required to realize the £45 billion in efficiency savings Labour is seeking from their Digital Government transformation program.
Key Points of the Announcement
A mobile driver’s licence will be one of the first digital documents in a GOV.UK Wallet launched later this year and will ultimately allow people to prove their age from their phone in shops or online.
The GOV.UK Wallet will allow users to securely store government-issued documents on their phone and use them easily when needed. The technology will make use of security features that are built into modern smart phones, including facial recognition checks similar to those used when people pay using a digital bank card. It means that digital documents will be more secure, even if a device is lost.
- The ‘Digital Drivers Licence’ will be a secure digital version of the traditional physical driver’s license.
- It will be accessible through a dedicated government portal or mobile application.
- Drivers will have the option to use either the digital or physical version of their license.
- The digital license will feature advanced security measures to prevent fraud and unauthorized use.
Implications of the ‘Digital Drivers Licence’:
The introduction of the ‘Digital Drivers Licence’ is expected to bring about several benefits:
- Convenience: Drivers will no longer need to carry physical licenses, reducing the risk of loss or damage.
- Accessibility: The digital license can be easily accessed and presented whenever required.
- Security: Advanced encryption and authentication methods will enhance the security of driver identification.
- Efficiency: The digital system will streamline license verification processes for authorities and businesses.
Next Steps and Rollout Plan:
The UK Government is currently finalizing the technical aspects of the ‘Digital Drivers Licence’ system. The rollout plan is expected to include the following steps:
- Testing phase with selected participants to ensure system reliability and user-friendliness.
- Gradual implementation across different regions to assess scalability and performance.
- Public awareness campaigns to educate drivers about the benefits and usage of the digital license.
- Collaboration with law enforcement agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure seamless integration.
Overall, the introduction of the ‘Digital Drivers Licence’ by the UK Government marks a significant leap towards a more technologically advanced and efficient driver identification system. Stay tuned for further updates on this innovative initiative.
