The UK government is launching a Digital ID scheme to modernise identity verification for citizens and legal residents. This system will replace traditional paper-based checks, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors, by utilising smartphones for secure and convenient access to both public and private services.
The Digital ID aims to streamline processes such as employment verification and access to benefits, while also addressing issues associated with physical documents that can be lost or stolen. This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance digital public services and reduce identity fraud, which costs the economy billions annually.
The rollout of the Digital ID system is expected to be completed by the end of the current Parliament, ensuring that every UK citizen and legal resident will be able to use the system. This will help streamline administrative processes for government agencies, businesses, and individuals, ensuring faster service delivery across the board.
I know you’re worried about the level of illegal migration into this country.
Digital ID is another measure to make it tougher to work illegally here, making our borders more secure.
Ours is a fairer Britain, built on change, not division.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 26, 2025
Table of Contents
Information Contained in the Digital ID
The Digital ID will contain essential personal information for identity verification, including the individual’s full name, date of birth, nationality, and residency status, as well as a biometric photograph. These details will be securely stored on the user’s smartphone using advanced encryption technology to protect against unauthorised access.
It will also streamline the verification of work rights in the UK by including necessary legal details for employment verification, eliminating the need for employers to handle paper documents. While the initial rollout will focus on this basic information, the government plans to expand the Digital ID’s capabilities in the future, potentially incorporating additional data such as home addresses or medical records for broader public and private sector interactions.
Functional Capabilities of the Digital ID
The Digital ID will feature a broad range of functionalities designed to simplify identity verification across multiple service areas. These functionalities will improve the way citizens interact with both public and private sector services. Among the key functions of the Digital ID are:
Access to Public Services
The Digital ID will enable users to easily apply for and access various public services, including healthcare, social welfare, housing support, driving licence and other government services. Users will no longer need to provide paper-based documents for each service they use, as their Digital ID will serve as a secure, universally accepted form of verification.
Workforce Verification
Employers will be required to use the Digital ID to verify that potential employees have the legal right to work in the UK. This feature is designed to mitigate the risk of illegal employment and ensure that employers comply with immigration and employment laws.
Private Sector Transactions
The Digital ID will also be used to streamline interactions with private companies. This could include age verification for purchasing alcohol or other restricted goods, renting properties, or verifying identity for banking services. The Digital ID will enable individuals to quickly and securely verify their identity when participating in various transactions.
Voting Access
The Digital ID will provide secure verification of eligibility for voting, ensuring that only eligible individuals can participate in elections. By linking voter ID and Digital ID, the government hopes to eliminate the risk of voter fraud and streamline the election process.
Enhanced Security Measures
The Digital ID offers enhanced security compared to traditional paper IDs. It is encrypted and securely stored on users’ smartphones, protecting personal information from unauthorised access through advanced encryption and biometric measures, such as fingerprint or facial recognition. Unlike physical documents, Digital IDs are harder to replicate or misuse.
Users maintain control over their data, choosing when and with whom to share their Digital ID, ensuring their personal information is disclosed only with consent. If a phone is lost or stolen, users can quickly revoke and reissue their Digital ID, keeping their data secure. This security and control improve upon traditional identity verification, providing peace of mind and reducing the risks of identity theft.
Timeline for Rollout
The UK government plans to roll out the Digital ID system gradually, making it available to all UK citizens and legal residents by the end of the current Parliamentary Term. The rollout will commence with a pilot phase, during which specific regions or groups of people will be the first to test the system. This phased approach will allow the government to identify and resolve any issues before a full national rollout.
The government has outlined that the Digital ID will be free to access, making it a cost-effective solution for all users. Citizens will be able to obtain the Digital ID through a simple registration process, designed to ensure ease of use for people of all ages and technical abilities.
Ensuring Accessibility for All
While the Digital ID will be a smartphone-based solution, the government recognises that not everyone has access to digital devices or the skills to navigate online services. To address this, the government will provide support to ensure that individuals who are digitally excluded can still access the Digital ID system. This could include offering alternatives, such as physical ID verification, for individuals without smartphones or those with limited digital literacy. Additionally, face-to-face support and assistance will be available to help people who need help using the system.
The government is committed to ensuring that the Digital ID is inclusive and accessible to all members of society, regardless of their socio-economic background or access to technology. This will be achieved through outreach programs, public education campaigns, and tailored support to help individuals who may face barriers in accessing digital services.
Public Consultation and Feedback
Before fully implementing the Digital ID scheme, the UK government will launch a public consultation to gather feedback from citizens, stakeholders, and experts. This consultation will help ensure that the system meets the needs of users, is secure, and respects privacy. Feedback will be incorporated into the final design of the system to address any concerns and improve the functionality of the Digital ID.
The government is also committed to ensuring that the Digital ID scheme aligns with the highest standards of data protection and privacy. All feedback collected during the consultation phase will be carefully considered to ensure that the Digital ID remains a secure and trustworthy solution for identity verification.
Comparing Traditional and Digital ID
| Feature | Traditional ID Documents | Digital ID |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Physical cards/documents | Stored securely on smartphones |
| Verification Process | Manual checks | Digital verification through encryption |
| Accessibility | Requires physical presence | Accessible remotely via smartphone |
| Security | Risk of loss or theft | Enhanced security with biometric checks |
| Update Process | Involves paperwork | Real-time digital updates |
| Service Area | Traditional Method | Digital ID Integration |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Verification | Physical document checks | Mandatory digital ID verification |
| Access to Welfare | Paper applications | Streamlined digital application process |
| Age Verification | Physical ID presentation | Digital ID-based age confirmation |
| Voting Eligibility | Manual eligibility checks | Digital ID-based eligibility verification |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the UK Digital ID scheme?
The UK Digital ID scheme is a new identity verification solution that allows citizens and legal residents to securely prove their identity using their smartphones.
2. What information will be included in the Digital ID?
The Digital ID will contain key personal data, including full name, date of birth, residency status, and a biometric photograph for identity verification.
3. How will the Digital ID improve security?
The Digital ID will be encrypted and securely stored on smartphones, offering better protection against loss or theft. Users will control their data and can easily revoke access if their device is compromised.
4. When will the Digital ID be available to the public?
The Digital ID will be available to all UK citizens and legal residents by the end of the current Parliament, following a phased rollout.
5. What happens if I don’t have a smartphone?
The government will ensure that people without smartphones or digital literacy can still access the Digital ID system through alternative methods and receive face-to-face support.