DVLA to launch major new driving licence changes in months with millions impacted

Felix Reeves

By Felix Reeves


Published: 07/08/2025

- 15:22

The GOV.UK App and Wallet is expected to launch to drivers this year

Tens of millions of motorists will see new licence changes introduced over the coming months as part of Labour's move to digitise its services.

Before the end of the year, motorists will be able to use digital driving licences through the new GOV.UK Wallet and App.


It argues that it will simplify access to services and documents, as part of a £45billion drive to boost efficiency and growth.

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Britons will have the option to use a digital version of their driving licences, although the photocard version will still be available.

Driving licence

Drivers are being urged to prepare for the new driving licence changes

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PA

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said the mobile driving licence will be one of the first digital documents in the GOV.UK Wallet.

In addition to proving someone's right to drive, motorists will be able to prove their age from their phone in shops and online.

As part of the rollout of the GOV.UK Wallet, the mobile driving licence will be piloted later this year.

The Wallet and App, which will be available on app stores for Apple and Android phones, will also include a Digital Veteran Card.

Digital driving licence app

The new digital driving licence app is expected to launch in the coming months

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DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

Commenting on the development of the digital driving licence, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander praised the new technology.

She 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."

All Government services will have to offer a digital alternative alongside paper or card credentials by the end of 2027.

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The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has accelerated its plans to digitise its services, which have been outlined in its Business Plan 2024-2025.

The DVLA said digital would be at the "forefront" of its thinking, as evidenced by its "Driver and vehicles account" service.

It added that it would support the Home Office and the police by enhancing the DVLA's vehicle and keeper targets that the police have access to.

The DVLA was included as a good practice example in the "Blueprint for a modern digital Government" policy paper.

The GOV.UK digital driving licence appThe GOV.UK digital driving licence app will also show tax reminders | GOV.UK

It stated that the DVLA's Centre of Digital Excellence has 15 programmes with academic qualifications, professional certifications and apprenticeships.

Around 13 per cent of the DVLA's digital and technology organisation is present in the digital pipeline.

The Blueprint policy paper, which was published earlier this year, outlined that a beta version of the GOV.UK App and Wallet would be developed throughout the year.

Science Secretary Peter Kyle said: "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."