In the future, drivers in the United Kingdom may be able to store their driver's licenses digitally in Apple's Wallet app, bringing Apple one step closer to fully replacing the traditional physical wallet.

Oliver Morley, CEO of the UK's Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, showed off a prototype version of a digital driving license on Twitter this morning (via The Independent). In the image, the Wallet app on the iPhone was shown with a virtual copy of a UK driving license, stored right next to other Wallet cards.

passbookdrivinglicenseuk


According to Morley, the feature is still a prototype and will not serve as a full replacement for a driving license, but an add-on, with its implementation possible following the discontinuation of a paper driving license counterpart in June of 2015. Security is one of the main priorities for the introduction of the digital driving license in the UK.

Should the digital driving license feature be introduced in the United Kingdom, it's not a stretch to imagine it also being introduced in additional countries like the United States as the digital wallet concept grows in popularity. In fact, at least one state in the United States is already testing the idea - in 2014, Iowa said it was working on a digital app that would allow customers to use digital ID cards instead of physical cards.

Tags: DVLA, Wallet

Top Rated Comments

garirry Avatar
122 months ago
I think it's awesome, as long as paper licenses still exist and people can place them somewhere safe in case the iPhone battery dies or something.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Phil A. Avatar
122 months ago
Fantastic news, and as you say, one step closer.

I currently leave the office on occasion to lunch without my wallet (all good except for damn you, Sainsbury's), using Apple Pay on my watch as my preferred payment method. I'll soon be able to go for a drive without it too.
I often drive without my license on me - there's no legal requirement to carry one in the UK: If you get stopped you have 7 days to produce it at a police station.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zahuh Avatar
122 months ago
Love it! If anyone from Apple reads this, please also add school/faculty IDs. Can't wait to get rid of my physical wallet.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Boatboy24 Avatar
122 months ago
It'll be another 50 years before a US State adopts something this advanced. :rolleyes:
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ipedro Avatar
122 months ago
MacRumors content image ('https://www.macrumors.com/2016/05/13/uk-digital-driving-license-wallet/')


In the future, drivers in the United Kingdom may be able to store their driver's licenses digitally in Apple's Wallet app, bringing Apple one step closer to fully replacing the traditional physical wallet.

Oliver Morley, CEO of the UK's Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, showed off a prototype version of a digital driving license on Twitter ('https://twitter.com/omorley1/status/731110689939587072') this morning (via The Independent ('http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/driving-licence-could-be-added-to-apple-wallet-turning-drivers-iphone-into-an-id-a7028346.html')). In the image, the Wallet app on the iPhone was shown with a virtual copy of a UK driving license, stored right next to other Wallet cards.

MacRumors content image


According to Morley, the feature is still a prototype and will not serve as a full replacement for a driving license, but an add-on, with its implementation possible following the discontinuation ('https://www.gov.uk/government/news/driving-licence-changes') of a paper driving license counterpart in June of 2015. Security is one of the main priorities for the introduction of the digital driving license in the UK.

Should the digital driving license feature be introduced in the United Kingdom, it's not a stretch to imagine it also being introduced in additional countries like the United States as the digital wallet concept grows in popularity. In fact, at least one state in the United States is already testing the idea - in 2014, Iowa said it was working on a digital app ('https://www.macrumors.com/2014/12/11/smartphone-drivers-licenses-iowa/') that would allow customers to use digital ID cards instead of physical cards.

Article Link: UK Developing Digital Driving License Stored in Apple Wallet App ('https://www.macrumors.com/2016/05/13/uk-digital-driving-license-wallet/')
Government ID: the final frontier.

There are several ways to ensure that digital IDs aren't tampered with and not simply photoshopped copies. Have the data such as photo and information on a government server. When an official like a traffic cop requests your ID, you show it to them, they scan a randomized QR code that then independently downloads the ID to their own device. If the two don't match perfectly, it's a fake.

This could end up being more secure than physical drivers licenses and end the fake ID market once and for all.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
hlfway2anywhere Avatar
122 months ago
Not to go all conspiracy theorist here but in the US, I believe you are required to produce identification is requested from the authorities. BUT, if it is in a phone that you must unlock to show them and another physical form does not exist, then it will be pretty hard to say, "yea, i forgot my password so you can't get into my phone." But, I also am guessing if you are in that situation, you'll just give the finger to anyone and everyone at that point just in case.
you don't need to unlock the phone to access Wallet.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...