UK Government Launches New Digital ID Scheme to Strengthen Border Security and Streamline Public Services

The UK Government has today announced the rollout of a new digital ID scheme designed to enhance national security, combat illegal working, and simplify access to vital public services. The initiative, unveiled by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, marks a significant step in the country’s digital transformation and commitment to secure, inclusive identity verification.

Under the new scheme, digital ID will become mandatory for Right to Work checks by the end of the current Parliament. This move aims to curb illegal employment, a key driver of unauthorised migration, by making it impossible for individuals without legal status to gain employment in the UK. The digital ID will be available to all UK citizens and legal residents, stored securely on mobile devices, and used similarly to the NHS App or contactless payments.

“This is an enormous opportunity for the UK,” said Prime Minister Starmer. “Digital ID 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 scheme builds on the legislative foundation laid by the Data (Use and Access) Act, which received Royal Assent in June 2025. The Act establishes a statutory register of certified digital identity providers and introduces a government-backed trust mark to help users identify secure and compliant services

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and the Office for Digital Identities and Attributes (OfDIA) will oversee the implementation, ensuring providers meet stringent standards for privacy, security, and inclusion. Certified services must avoid profiling users for marketing, prevent the creation of large datasets, and ensure transparency in data sharing practices.

Importantly, the scheme will remain voluntary for general use. Citizens will retain the option to use physical documents for identity verification, and digital ID will only be required for specific legal checks such as employment eligibility.

The government also emphasised the role of digital ID in improving access to services such as driving licences, childcare, welfare, and tax records. By reducing reliance on paper-based identity checks, the scheme is expected to save time and reduce fraud across sectors.

As part of its broader digital strategy, the government is working with financial regulators, industry bodies, and education providers to promote best practices in digital ID adoption, particularly within the financial services sector.

For more information, visit the official announcement on GOV.UK