UK Digital Identity Policy
The UK's new Labour government officially scrapped the national digital ID scheme on July 22, 2026, redirecting an estimated £1.8 billion towards the cost of living crisis. As of July 22, 2026, the national scheme is abandoned, though initiatives like the GOV.UK Wallet and the Digital Verification Services (DVS) Trust Framework are expected to continue. This decision marks a significant policy reversal from the previous administration, which had been developing a legal framework for digital identity verification and expanding digital ID use for age verification and right-to-work checks. Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously announced on June 20, 2026, the removal of mandatory digital IDs for right-to-work checks.
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July 2026 — 6 developments
UK Government Scraps National Digital ID Scheme
The UK's new Labour government has officially scrapped the national digital ID scheme, redirecting an estimated £1.8 billion towards the cost of living crisis. While the national scheme is abandoned, initiatives like the GOV.UK Wallet and the Digital Verification Services (DVS) Trust Framework are expected to continue. This decision marks a significant policy reversal from the previous administration.
UK Government Expands Illegal Working Rules to Gig Economy Workers from October
The UK government will expand its illegal working regime starting October 1, 2026, to include agency workers, subcontractors, and gig economy workers. Businesses will be required to update their right-to-work processes, and a draft revised Code of Practice on Preventing Illegal Working has been published. The government will also clarify the use of registered Right to Work Digital Verification Service Providers for digital checks.
UK Government Publishes Draft Digital Identity Bill for Consultation
The UK government has published a draft Digital Identity Bill, aiming to establish a legal framework for digital identity verification. This bill proposes a system where individuals can prove their identity online using verified digital credentials, with a focus on security, privacy, and user control. The draft is now open for public consultation.
UK digital identity trust framework to launch September 1, expanding right-to-work checks October 1
The UK digital verification services trust framework is set to be implemented around September 1, 2026, with final version 1.0 published on June 9, 2026. New immigration law changes on October 1, 2026, will expand employers' right-to-work verification duties to include gig and agency staff through certified providers.
UK Government Revises Digital ID Plans, Moves Away From Mandatory Right-to-Work Checks
The UK government is revising its digital ID plans, moving away from a mandatory system for right-to-work checks, with details to be released after a public consultation. Legislation is being updated to allow digital IDs for age verification in pubs and licensed establishments by Autumn 2026, and for purchasing alcohol and anti-money laundering checks. The UK Digital Identity Trust Framework has been given statutory footing, with "UK One Login" and "UK Wallet" in development.
UK Pubs to Accept Digital IDs for Age Verification by Christmas 2026
UK pubs will be able to accept digital identification for age verification by Christmas 2026, following an amendment to the Licensing Act 2003. This change permits the use of certified and registered Digital Verification Services (DVS) for alcohol sales in England and Wales. A new code of practice for employment related to right-to-work checks is also expected from October 1, 2026.
June 2026 — 5 developments
UK launches 'Share Code' for digital identity checks, updates trust framework
The UK government has launched a 'Share Code' system to streamline digital verification for right-to-work and right-to-rent checks, reducing reliance on physical documents. This initiative is part of a broader push towards modernizing citizen interaction with public services. The UK Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework (UKDIATF) has also seen updates, and digital IDs are being explored for financial services and age verification.
UK Digital ID Scheme Expands: Social Media Age Checks and New Right-to-Work Rules
New regulations effective spring 2027 will require social media platforms to age-check users, potentially involving ID uploads or facial scans for new account sign-ups. A new code of practice effective October 2026 will outline three permitted routes for right-to-work checks, including a certified Digital Verification Service. Reforms in the home buying and selling sector will also support digital identity checks.
UK Government Reverses Mandatory Digital ID for Right-to-Work Checks
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK government has revised its digital ID plans, removing the mandatory requirement for digital IDs in right-to-work checks. Other forms of identification, such as passports and eVisas, will continue to be accepted. This change comes as new regulations are being introduced to ban individuals under 16 from major social media platforms by spring 2027.
UK Government Establishes Digital ID Advisory Group, Extends Checks
The UK government has established a new independent advisory group to provide scrutiny and strategic direction for its national digital identity system, aiming to modernize public services and ensure the system is inclusive and trustworthy. Digital identity checks for right-to-work, right-to-rent, and immigration status have also been extended for another six months until December 31, 2024.
UK Publishes Digital Identity Trust Framework, Effective September 2026
The final version of the "UK digital verification services trust framework" (version 1.0) has been published, setting standards for digital identity services and coming into force on September 1, 2026. The government is also consulting on the design, scope, and governance of the proposed digital ID system and has established an independent advisory group of experts to ensure the system is inclusive, useful, and trusted.
May 2026 — 4 developments
UK government to roll out national digital ID system by end of 2029
The UK government plans a full rollout of its national digital ID system by the end of 2029, following an eight-week public consultation that concluded in May 2026. A "People's Panel" of 120 members will be established for further input on the voluntary, smartphone-based system.
UK Digital ID Bill Receives Royal Assent, Paving Way for Voluntary Scheme
The UK's Digital ID Bill has received Royal Assent in May 2026, establishing a legal framework for a voluntary digital identity system. This legislation aims to modernize citizen interactions with public services, with a broad rollout anticipated by the end of the current parliamentary term.
UK Parliament Committee Calls Digital ID Plans a 'Fiasco'
The UK Home Affairs Committee has labeled the government's digital identity plans a "fiasco," citing poor policy development and communication that have damaged public confidence. The committee's report criticizes the handling of initiatives like UK One Login and UK Wallet.
UK government introduces Digital Access to Services Bill for digital ID scheme
The UK government is introducing the Digital Access to Services Bill to create a legal framework for a digital ID, which will be integrated into the GOV.UK app. This bill aims to streamline access to public services, making them more personalized and efficient. While initially proposed as mandatory for right-to-work checks, the digital ID will now be voluntary for this purpose due to public opposition.
March 2026 — 1 developments
UK Government Relaunches Digital ID Program with 'Government by App' Prototype and Public Consultation
The 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.
January 2026 — 8 developments
UK government to build digital ID scheme in-house, final budget pending February consultation
The UK government's digital ID scheme, which will be built in-house, has an undisclosed final budget pending a consultation scheduled for February.
UK Government Continues In-House Digital ID Development for Services
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.
UK Scales Back Digital ID Plans as 'Right to Work' Checks Expand in 2026
The UK is scaling back digital ID plans as 'right to work' checks expand in 2026, potentially increasing compliance costs for employers.
UK Government to Launch Mobile Driving License in 2026 Amidst Public Distrust
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 pressure Starmer to abandon unpopular government policies, including Digital ID
Labour MPs are pressuring Prime Minister Keir Starmer to abandon unpopular government policies, including mandatory Digital ID for right-to-work checks.
UK Government Abandons Mandatory Digital ID Plan After Petition
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.
UK government revises digital ID plans, makes participation in specific scheme optional
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.
Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework Releases Version Gamma 0.4
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.
November 2025 — 2 developments
OBR states Labour's £1.8 billion digital ID plan is 'unfunded'
The 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.
Government confirms digital ID scheme for right-to-work checks, plans public consultation
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.
October 2025 — 1 developments
PM Starmer Addresses Digital ID Concerns, Denies Tracking or Social Scoring
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.
September 2025 — 1 developments
UK Government Announces Mandatory Digital ID Scheme for Workers by 2029
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.
June 2022 — 1 developments
UK Government publishes updated beta Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework
An 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.
December 2021 — 1 developments
Government announces digital identity checks for British and Irish citizens from April 2022
The 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.
February 2021 — 1 developments
UK Government Publishes Alpha Version of Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework
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.