Government to introduce digital ID scheme across UK

The UK government has confirmed plans to roll out a new digital identity scheme, intended to simplify access to public services and tighten checks on illegal working. The digital ID will be free for all citizens and legal residents and will become mandatory for Right to Work checks.

According to ministers, the system is designed to replace many existing manual identity verification processes that currently rely on paper records. Digital credentials will be stored on users’ phones, in a similar way to the NHS App or mobile payment systems, with options under consideration for people without smartphones.

Officials say the aim is twofold: to make it harder for people without the legal right to work in the UK to gain employment, while also reducing the burden on individuals applying for services such as driving licences, childcare support, welfare benefits and tax records.

The scheme will build on the existing GOV.UK digital wallet project, and will eventually sit alongside a planned digital driving licence. A consultation will be launched later this year to shape how the service is delivered, with specific attention to accessibility for older people, those experiencing homelessness and citizens who are less digitally confident.

International examples are playing a role in the design process. Countries such as Estonia and Denmark have integrated digital ID into education, health and childcare systems, while India has reported significant savings by reducing fraud in welfare schemes. The UK government has highlighted these models as case studies for how digital identification can bring efficiency gains.

Security is a central feature of the proposals. The digital ID will use encryption and biometric authentication, with credentials stored on the individual’s own device. If a phone is lost or stolen, the credentials can be revoked and reissued remotely. The government has stressed that only relevant data will be shared in any transaction, aiming to reduce unnecessary disclosure of personal information.

Inclusion will be a priority during rollout, with plans for face-to-face support and outreach programmes to assist those unfamiliar with digital services. Officials say the scheme is intended to make access to government simpler, not harder, for citizens.

The new system is expected to underpin Right to Work checks in particular, where ministers argue that digital credentials will reduce forged documents, streamline compliance for employers and improve intelligence gathering. Other potential uses are still under consideration.