Digital driving licences might be launched later this yr beneath plans to make use of know-how to “overhaul” public providers.
The licences might be obtainable on a brand new authorities cell phone app and might be accepted as a type of ID for getting restricted gadgets like alcohol and for voting in elections, in addition to proving somebody’s proper to drive.
Veteran playing cards may also be obtainable on the “GOV.UK Wallet” app when it launches this summer season, with DBS checks, Blue Badges and different government-issued credentials to come back later down the road.
Science Secretary Peter Kyle mentioned the app “will mean that every letter or identity document you receive from the government could be issued to you virtually”.
Politics newest: Sir Keir Starmer says ‘terrorism has modified’
The adjustments observe a report which discovered that public providers have been lacking out on £45bn in productiveness financial savings due to outdated and outdated know-how.
The app may also purpose to make utilizing authorities providers simpler, equivalent to making use of for childcare and advantages, discovering an apprenticeship or reporting a misplaced passport.
Different options will embrace notifications on new coverage and repair bulletins, whereas an AI chatbot could also be added sooner or later to assist folks discover solutions to “complex and niche questions”, the federal government mentioned.
Bodily paperwork will nonetheless be obtainable, however the purpose is that each one authorities providers must provide a digital various by the tip of 2027.
The digital paperwork will make use of know-how constructed into smartphones, like facial recognition, so that they “will be more secure, even if a device is lost”, the federal government mentioned.
Mr Kyle added: “Along with CDs, the Walkman and flip phones, the overflowing drawer rammed with letters from the government and hours spent on hold to get a basic appointment will soon be consigned to history.
“GOV.UK Pockets will imply that each letter or id doc you obtain from the federal government could possibly be issued to you just about.
“For people who choose to use GOV.UK Wallet, they will find it easier to prove they’re entitled to benefits or check their age when buying alcohol or DIY equipment, with more security and trust than ever before.”
A number of international locations have already launched digital licences, together with Australia, Denmark, Iceland and Norway, in addition to some US states.
Within the EU, each member state might be required to introduce at the very least one type of digital ID by 2026.
Picture:
Sir Tony Blair has been pushing for nationwide ID playing cards. Pic: PA
The announcement stops in need of obligatory nationwide ID playing cards, as pushed for by former Labour prime minister Sir Tony Blair and former Tory chief Lord William Hague.
The pair have beforehand joined forces to name for a brand new ID incorporating particulars equivalent to a passport, driving licence, tax data, {qualifications} and right-to-work standing, which could possibly be saved on a cell phone.
Sir Tony tried to introduce such a scheme when he was in energy but it surely was scrapped by the coalition authorities.
He argued it might save the Treasury £2bn a yr in the long term and assist management migration, however the concept was swiftly dominated out by Labour after it received the final election in July.
Opponents of ID playing cards have raised issues about privateness and what they see as pointless knowledge assortment by the state.
