Digital driving licences are being rolled out in the UK. A trial has already taken place, with a wider rollout planned for 2026. Here's what that means for you:
Key takeaways
- Digital driving licences are an optional digital version of your plastic photocard, stored securely in the GOV.UK Wallet app.
- Your physical driving licence will still be valid, so you can continue using either the plastic card or the digital version.
- Digital licences contain the same information as your photocard and update automatically when your licence details change.
- The wider rollout is planned during 2026 across England, Wales and Scotland following a successful trial.
- Digital licences can be used for ID checks and proving your driving entitlement within the UK, but they're not yet accepted for driving or hiring a car abroad.
- Your car insurance won't be affected by switching to a digital driving licence, as insurers will continue to verify your driving record with the DVLA.
What is a digital driving licence?
A digital driving licence is a secure digital version of your current plastic photocard. Your DVLA digital driving licence will be stored securely in the GOV.UK wallet app, which you can download to your phone. It’s got all the same info, like your name, licence number and expiry date. It updates automatically if anything changes.
Digital driving licences use your phone’s built-in security features, such as facial recognition, to help keep your data safe, even if your phone is lost.
The DVLA is introducing the digital driving licence as part of a bigger plan to modernise government services. The aim is to make things simpler and quicker. Going digital will hopefully mean less paperwork and fewer lost cards.
Don’t worry, your plastic card isn’t going anywhere just yet. The digital version is optional for now. You can use both. So if your phone runs out of battery at the worst possible time, your old-school card’s still got you covered. But the idea is that eventually digital will be the norm or default option.
How will digital driving licences work in the UK?
They’ll live in the GOV.UK wallet: a new government app where you can store all your official digital documents. Your digital licence will be stored there, alongside other future documents like your national insurance number or passport info.
You’ll sign in using a GOV.UK login; this is a secure way to access multiple government services with just one account.
You can show your licence straight from your phone, whether it’s for ID checks, hiring a car or proving what you’re allowed to drive.
Third parties (such as employers or car rental companies) can perform checks via certified digital verification services to view current penalty points and convictions.
How to apply for a digital driving licence?
The government tested digital driving licences in a limited trial in December 2025, and a wider public rollout across England, Wales and Scotland is planned during 2026.
You can apply online through the DVLA or directly in the GOV.UK wallet app. You’ll need to confirm who you are and link your licence details to your account. Already got a physical licence? Good news, your info should transfer automatically (remember to update your address first if you've moved).
And once it’s approved, your digital licence will appear straight away in the GOV.UK wallet; no waiting around for post. It's worth knowing that the GOV.UK Wallet is separate from Google Wallet's own digital ID features.
The GOV.UK Wallet's first live credential was the digital HM Armed Forces Veteran Card, which was launched in October 2025. Even though the driving licence itself isn't publicly available yet, the service is already used by close to 2 million veterans.
By the end of 2027, the UK government will have committed to having a digital alternative in place for all government services.
Do I need to pay for a digital licence?
No, it's free. Just like applying for or renewing a physical licence, there’s no extra cost to use the digital version. Replacements and renewals still follow the usual DVLA fees.
Can I use my digital licence when driving abroad?
Not yet. Most countries still want to see a physical licence, so your digital driver's licence can't currently be used to hire a car or drive overseas. So if you're planning to drive overseas, keep your plastic photocard handy. The digital version is mainly for use in the UK - at least for now.
Will there be any impact on my car insurance?
No, digital driving licences shouldn't affect your car insurance. Your licence details stay the same, whether they’re on a card or in an app. Insurers will still verify your driving record with the DVLA directly. If anything, having a digital licence could make it easier to update your details quickly, which is always a bonus!
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