March 17th 2026
The Government has launched a consultation asking the public to share their views on how digital ID could be used to make public services quicker, easier and more secure to access.
“Alongside the consultation, the government will reveal images and videos of a working prototype of the system showing how people could log on to a single app and prove who they are, ending a reliance on multiple logins and paper documents to access the support they need, saving time and effort.”
“Government by app will be as easy and secure as online banking, and will be available to those who want it. It will remove the frustration of endless telephone calls, complicated printed forms and people having no idea of how long it will take them to get the support they need. Existing routes to accessing public services will continue to be available for those who prefer them.”
Issues being considered during the consultation, which ends on 5 May 2026, include:
- At what age you should be able to get a digital ID;
- What information it would be useful to include – such as proof of address as well as identity – to end the scramble for a utility bill or bank statement;
- Which government services it could improve your experience of, for example getting a driving licence or checking your tax code; and
- How we make sure everyone is included
Following the initial 8-week consultation period, the government will be running a ‘People’s Panel on Digital ID’ – an in-depth deliberative engagement process with a broadly UK representative sample of 100-120 individuals to discuss the policy in detail. Individuals will be selected through sortition (civic lottery). This process will conclude on 21 June, which will be the end of the formal consultation process.
The announcement follows the Roadmap for Modern Digital Government, which set outs how government plans to use technology to transform services.