Digital Driving Licences UK: Everything You Need to Know (2026)

The UK government has been rolling out digital driving licences — an official version of your driving licence that lives on your smartphone. For many drivers, this raises immediate questions: Is it legal? Can you use it instead of the plastic card? What does it mean for your number plates and vehicle records? This guide answers all of those questions.

What Is a Digital Driving Licence?

A digital driving licence is an official electronic version of your UK driving licence, stored on your smartphone via a government-approved app. It displays the same information as your physical photocard licence — your name, date of birth, licence number, entitlements, and photo — but can be presented from your phone rather than carrying the physical card.

The UK government confirmed plans for digital driving licences as part of the Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework, with a phased rollout via the DVLA. As of 2026, the scheme is in active development and limited rollout.

Is a Digital Driving Licence Legally Accepted in the UK?

Currently, the physical photocard driving licence remains the primary legal form of ID for driving purposes. While digital licences are being trialled, the law has not yet been fully updated to mandate their acceptance everywhere. The key points are:

• Police stops: You are not legally required to carry your driving licence when driving — you have 7 days to produce it at a police station. Digital versions may be accepted at an officer’s discretion.
• Number plate suppliers: DVLA-registered suppliers like Car Plates Pro require valid ID to make plates. A physical photocard is the most universally accepted form. Check with your supplier whether digital ID is accepted.
• Age verification: Digital driving licences may be used for age verification at venues and retailers as the scheme matures.

How Will Digital Driving Licences Work?

The DVLA digital licence app allows you to:

• View your licence entitlements and endorsements
• Share your licence data securely with third parties (employers, rental companies)
• Receive real-time updates (e.g. when a licence is renewed or points are added)
• Use it as a form of identity verification without handing over your physical card

The app uses government-grade security with biometric verification, meaning only you can access and share your licence data. For further details, visit the official DVLA page on GOV.UK.

Digital Licences vs Physical Licences: Key Differences

Feature	Physical Photocard	Digital Licence
Legally required to drive	No (can produce at station)	No
Accepted by police	Yes	At discretion (evolving)
Accepted by plate suppliers	Yes (universally)	Varies by supplier
Shows endorsements/points	Yes (on DVLA check)	Yes (real-time)
Risk of loss/damage	Yes	No (phone-based)

Do Digital Licences Affect Number Plate Orders?

When ordering number plates from a DVLA-registered supplier, you must provide proof of identity and vehicle entitlement. Currently, most suppliers — including Car Plates Pro — accept a physical photocard driving licence or passport as identity proof. As digital licences become more widely accepted, we will update our verification process accordingly. For now, if you are ordering plates, have your physical photocard or passport ready.

Order your plates online at Car Plates Pro — standard plates from £6.99, 3D Gel from £9.99, next working day delivery across the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will digital driving licences be available in the UK?

The DVLA is actively developing and trialling digital driving licences in 2026. A full national rollout timeline has not been formally announced. Check the GOV.UK website for the latest updates on the scheme.

Do I still need a physical driving licence if I have a digital one?

For now, yes. The physical photocard remains the legally mandated primary document in most contexts. Keeping both is advisable until the legal framework fully accommodates digital-only use.

Can I use a digital driving licence as ID to get number plates made?

This depends on the supplier. As of 2026, most DVLA-registered suppliers require a physical photocard licence or passport. Confirm with your supplier before ordering.

What happens if I lose my physical licence but have a digital one?

You should apply for a replacement photocard licence via the DVLA (fee: £20 online). Your digital licence does not replace the need to hold a valid physical licence for all purposes.

Related Reading

• Replacement Number Plates: What Documents Do You Need?
• How DVLA Plate Auctions Work
• Free Number Plate Check: Step-by-Step Guide
• All Number Plate Guides