Motorists in the UK are set to see a major change in how they carry and use their licences, as the Government begins trials of a digital driving licence.
For the first time, motorists will be able to store their driving licence securely on their smartphone through the GOV.UK One Login app.
Private trials began in December, with staff from the Government Digital Service (GDS) and the DVLA among the first users.
A GDS spokesperson explained that the trial is the "culmination of the team's efforts in building, stress-testing, designing, iterating, and speaking to users, all done in close partnership with the DVLA".
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Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "This is a game-changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence as ID.
"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."
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall highlighted the benefits for drivers this week, explaining how the move forms part of a roadmap to make "everyday interactions with Government simpler, faster and more personal".
"We want people to quickly check their car's MOT status, renew their driving licence online, or prove their identity securely, putting power and control back in your hands," she said.
The new app will be the first major step in digitalising the driving information
| PA/GOV.UKFormer Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said: "Our ambition was to have this in the hands of drivers by the end of 2024. While that timeline slipped, the trial is crucial to making sure the system works safely and securely before a wider rollout."
Officials said the digital driving licence will be valid for proving age, hiring cars, and interactions with law enforcement.
A DVLA spokesperson explained: "Motorists will be able to store their licence on their phone, reducing the risk of losing it and making it quicker to prove their entitlement to drive."
The app will rely on electronic verification rather than visual checks, meaning licences must be confirmed online through approved digital identity providers.
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The GDS explained how third-party providers will be able to verify a licence, but only with the user's consent, to prevent fraud or fake credentials.
They added that the Government would work with verification services to ensure the success of the scheme.
Drivers will be able to manage how their data is shared with services like car hire companies while keeping control of personal information.
Motorists participating in the trial later this year will be among the first to test the system before wider public rollout.
The new app will allow drivers to store their digital driving licence | GOVERNMENT DIGITAL SERVICEOfficials detailed how the licence can be accessed immediately after approval, removing the delays associated with postal delivery and reducing the risk of lost documents.
"Soon, drivers may never need to carry a physical licence again, and verifying your identity will be as simple as a few taps on your phone," Ms Kendall stated.
The new app already hosts the digital Veteran Card, which has been used by more than 15,000 former service personnel since October 2025.
A Ministry of Defence representative said: "The Veteran Card has shown that digital credentials can make accessing Government services faster and easier. This sets the stage for the driving licence rollout."