- GOV.UK Wallet Launch: The UK government will release a digital ID app later this year, allowing users to securely store and access government-issued documents, starting with veteran cards and piloting mobile driver’s licenses in 2025.
- Enhanced Security and Accessibility: The app will use smartphone security features like facial recognition to protect data, offering a modern alternative to traditional paper or card credentials, which will still be available.
- Future Upgrades: A GOV.UK app launching in 2025 will include AI-powered chat support, payment options, and tools for managing tasks like canceling passports or applying for benefits directly from mobile devices.
The UK government is set to launch a new digital ID mobile app, enabling citizens to securely digitize government-issued documents. The GOV.UK Wallet, scheduled for release on Android and iOS devices later this year, will provide a streamlined alternative to physical documents. This initiative aims to improve efficiency by allowing immediate access to key credentials without waiting for physical copies to arrive by mail.
The app will integrate smartphone security measures, including facial recognition, to safeguard users’ personal data. Initially, the wallet will support veteran cards for former military personnel, with mobile driver’s licenses to be piloted in 2025. By 2027, all UK government services issuing paper or card-based credentials are expected to offer digital alternatives. Physical documents, however, will remain available for those who prefer them.
The GOV.UK Wallet is part of a broader effort to modernize government services and reduce reliance on traditional documentation. It will empower users to manage their data more effectively, simplifying processes like proving eligibility for welfare benefits and purchasing age-restricted products. Currently, UK residents often need to carry physical identification for activities such as clubbing or buying alcohol, with the risk of documents being lost or stolen.
In addition to the digital wallet, a new GOV.UK app is set to launch in summer 2025. This app will centralize access to government information and eventually enable tasks like canceling stolen passports and applying for benefits directly from mobile devices. These advancements aim to make interactions with government services more accessible and efficient for citizens.
Further enhancements are planned, including the introduction of an AI-powered chatbot, dubbed “GOV.UK Chat,” co-developed with OpenAI. The app will also offer features such as payment processing and real-time notifications for government services. Together, these innovations represent a significant step toward a digital-first approach in public administration.
