The UK Government is planning to release a GOV.UK Wallet to hold government issued documents on a smartphone and a GOV.UK App.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced the plan, indicating that the tools will both become available later this year.
It added that digital driver’s licence – to be piloted later this year – will be one of the first documents available through the GOV.UK Wallet.
The announcement has come as DSIT announces a surge in activity around digital public services as part of the new blueprint for digital government.
It said the GOV.UK Wallet will allow users to securely store documents and use them easily when needed. It will make use of security features that are built into smartphones, including facial recognition checks.
It is planned that by the end of 2027 the digital wallet will hold documents including Veteran Cards, Disclosure and Barring Service checks and every other credential issued by the Government – for people who choose to use them. Traditional physical documents will remain available.
The wallet will be available for i.OS and Android operating systems.
Game changer
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “This is a game changer for the millions of people who use their driving licence as ID.
“The innovation puts power back in the hands of the people, making everyday interactions faster, easier, and more secure. We are delivering on the Plan for Change by making public services work for everyone.”
Minister for Veterans and People Alistair Carns commented: “It is fantastic that former service personnel will become the first citizens to access the Government's new digital wallet.
“Having access to their HM Armed Forces Veteran Card via their smartphone, will help make it even easier for them to verify their veteran status, and access the support and benefits they're entitled to.”
App features
DSIT said the GOV.UK App will enable users to build a personalised home page of the services most useful to them by answering a handful of questions, and to log in through the One Login service.
The app will provide notifications such as updates on the status of an application or the launch of a new policy or service relevant to the user. This is expected to cut down on the three million text messages sent every day by government services.
It is also possible that the GOV.UK Chat generative chatbot – which is currently going through testing – may be added to the app in future to help people find answers to complex and niche questions, for which the relevant information could be spread over dozens of web pages.
