UK government digital ID scheme relaunched with app prototype and public consultation
The UK government relaunched its digital ID program on March 10, 2026, presenting a 'Government by app' prototype and initiating a national consultation to gather public views on enhancing access to public services. As of March 10, 2026: The scheme is voluntary, following the government's decision to drop mandatory digital IDs for work purposes, a reversal from earlier plans for mandatory digital right-to-work checks by 2029. Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, Darren Jones, stated that public services need to modernize to match the private sector's efficiency. The government is building the scheme in-house, with an undisclosed final budget, and plans to roll out a mobile driving license in 2026 despite public distrust.
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2026
9 updatesThe UK government has relaunched its digital ID program, presenting a 'Government by app' prototype and initiating a national consultation to gather public views on enhancing access to public services. Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, Darren Jones, stated that public services need to modernize to match the private sector's efficiency. This relaunch follows the government's decision to drop mandatory digital IDs for work purposes, making the new scheme voluntary.
The UK government's digital ID scheme, which will be built in-house, has an undisclosed final budget pending a consultation scheduled for February.
via theregister.com
The UK government is progressing with digital wallet development for government services and intends to build the digital ID scheme using in-house teams, rather than outsourcing it. This continues despite the recent decision to abandon mandatory digital ID for right-to-work checks.
The UK is scaling back digital ID plans as 'right to work' checks expand in 2026, potentially increasing compliance costs for employers.
The UK government is preparing to roll out a mobile driving license (mDL) in 2026 as part of its ongoing digital transformation efforts. This initiative comes despite public distrust in digital identity schemes.
Labour MPs are pressuring Prime Minister Keir Starmer to abandon unpopular government policies, including mandatory Digital ID for right-to-work checks.
via dailymail.co.uk
The UK government's decision to abandon its proposal for mandatory digital ID for right-to-work checks followed a petition against the mandatory nature of the IDs, which gathered nearly three million signatures.
via youtube.com
The UK government revised its digital ID plans, confirming that while digital right-to-work checks would still be mandatory by 2029, participation in a specific government-issued digital ID scheme would be optional, allowing other digital forms of identification. This marked a significant policy reversal following public and political backlash.
Version gamma 0.4 of the Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework was released, incorporating improvements and new certification roles, though it remained in the development and testing phase.
2025
4 updates
2025
4 updatesThe Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has indicated that the Labour Government's digital ID plan, estimated to cost £1.8 billion, is currently 'unfunded.' This information was released prematurely in the OBR's economic and fiscal outlook.
via thenational.scot
The government confirmed the digital ID scheme for right-to-work checks, outlining that the digital ID would serve as authoritative proof of identity and right to work, with a public consultation planned.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed public concerns about the digital ID policy, stating it will not be used for tracking individuals or as a social scoring system. This statement aims to dispel misinformation surrounding the policy.
via inforrm.org
The UK government, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, announced plans for a mandatory digital ID scheme by 2029, stating it would be compulsory for all workers to prove their right to work in the UK.
2022
1 update
2022
1 updateAn updated beta version of the UK Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework was published, superseding the alpha framework and further defining rules, standards, and governance for Digital Identity Service Providers.
2021
2 updates
2021
2 updatesThe government announced its intention to enable employers and landlords to use certified digital identity service providers (IDSPs) for identity checks for British and Irish citizens, with legislation taking effect from April 2022.
The UK government published the alpha version of its Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework, marking a significant step towards a national approach for digital identity solutions.
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