The UK government has confirmed that its new digital ID scheme, unveiled last week, will end the need for traditional paper-based identity checks.

While much of the media attention has centered on how the scheme will affect people working illegally in the UK, officials emphasized that the free digital ID will benefit the wider public by simplifying access to essential services and streamlining tax record management. “Digital ID is an enormous opportunity for the UK,” said Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. “It will make it tougher to work illegally in this country, making our borders more secure. And it will also offer ordinary citizens countless benefits, like being able to prove your identity to access key services swiftly – rather than hunting around for an old utility bill.”

The digital ID will be available to all UK citizens and legal residents via a mobile phone app, similar to the recently announced digital driving licence. Carrying the ID will not be mandatory, but it will be required to prove the right to work in the UK.

The rollout will include an outreach programme offering face-to-face assistance for individuals without a digital presence—such as older adults and people experiencing homelessness. The government has pledged to make the system fully accessible and will launch a public consultation later this year. Although the property sector has not been directly linked to the plans, officials noted that the new ID will reduce the need for repeated personal data sharing and serve as “authoritative proof” of residency status in the UK.

The government statement explained: “It will therefore include name, date of birth, information on nationality or residency status, and a photo – as the basis for biometric security – just like an eVisa or Passport. The consultation will consider whether including additional information, like address, would be helpful. “The new plans will offer significant benefits for reducing identity theft and preserving privacy, with security at its core. Digital ID limits personal details being shared unnecessarily, by only sharing the relevant information for the specific scenario in question. It will also use state-of-the-art encryption and user authentication to ensure data is held and accessed securely.”

Drawing inspiration from global digital ID systems, including India’s, the UK government highlighted that India’s model has helped save around US $10 billion annually, primarily through fraud reduction and improved efficiency.

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Source: Today's Conveyancer