Making people’s interactions with government easier and public services work better with digital ID
A new cross-government scheme, led by the Cabinet Office, will make a free and secure digital credential available to all UK citizens and everyone with right to be in the UK. Building on GOV.UK One Login, the new ID will make it easier to access private and public sector services and facilitate greater join up and personalisation of government services with a consistent way to know who people are.
Our goal
Digital ID will be inclusive, secure and useful: ensuring everyone is included in the digital age, giving people more control over their data than they have now and making public services easier to access and serve everyone better across the country. It will also help combat illegal working, because digital Right to Work checks will be mandatory by the end of the Parliament.
What this means for you
This initiative applies UK-wide.
- Easier proof of identity: digital IDs will simplify the process for proving your identity when accessing both government and private sector services, such as proving your right to work, renting a property, starting employment or voting in elections. Simplifying your interaction with central and local government services will help reduce error.
- Faster access to services: you’ll spend less time waiting for government agencies to process paperwork and conduct manual ID checks, allowing you to access public services and support more quickly.
- Reduced repetition: digital ID enables better join-up across government services, saving you from having to repeat the same information multiple times.
- Secure and trusted service: we’re working with the UK’s leading security experts – including the National Cyber Security Centre – to build a system with higher protections against identity fraud than ever before. Your data will be stored securely in the UK.
Our progress so far
October 2025: set up programme for digital IDs
The Cabinet Office set up a formal cross-government programme to oversee work on digital IDs, with clear governance and a delivery plan.
What we’re planning to do next
Early 2026: launch public consultation
The Cabinet Office has started engaging the public and key stakeholders to inform the design and delivery of digital IDs. This will include seeking public views to ensure the scheme is as inclusive and accessible as possible.